European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a cyclical lower abdominal or pelvic pain which may also radiate to the back and thighs; it occurs before or during menstruation, or both. The present study was conducted to assess severity of pain among primary dysmenorrhea in medical and nursing students.
Materials & Methods: 176 medical and nursing students age ranged 18- 26 years were included. Menstrual pain, intensity of pain, pain characteristics, menstrual symptoms, impact of dysmenorrhea and symptoms, menstrual pain management methods and socio- economic status (SES) was recorded. The numerical pain scale was used for assessing pain intensity.
Results: Age group 18-20 years had 65, 21-23 years had 70 and 24-26 years had 41 patients. Pain length was 1-2 days seen in 82, 2-3 days in 64 and entire period in 30. Pain intensity was mild in 41, moderate in 75 and severe in 60. Menstrual symptoms was seen in 90. Frequency of dysmenorrhea occurrence was more frequently (every month) in 102 and less frequently (once in 3 month) in 74. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Self- medication was seen in 50 and sickness absenteeism such as normal daily life in 86 and college absenteeism was seen in 90. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Most of students had moderate pain in dysmenorrhea.