Dysmenorrhea: Prevalence and Impact on Quality of Life among Young Adult Jordanian Females

Moamar Al-Jefout, Abu Fraijeh Seham, Hijazeen Jameel, Al Qaisi Randa, Al Ma aitah Ola, Al Ma aitah Oday, Georgina Luscombe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Study Objective: To establish the prevalence and impact on quality of life of dysmenorrhea among young adult Jordanian females. Design: Cross-sectional study based on quantitative self-reported anonymous questionnaire. Setting: University-based study. Participants: A total of 272 female medical students (aged 19-25years). Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reports of menstruation-related pain symptoms and methods of dealing with them. Results: Of study subjects 152/272 (55.8%) participants had moderate and severe dysmenorrhea. Of them, 55.8% had a family history of severe dysmenorrhea compared with 33.1% of those without dysmenorrhea (χ2=13.40, df=1, P<.001). There was strong association between severity of dysmenorrhea and poor university attendance (χ2=45.35, df=2, P<.001), poor social activities (χ2=32.06, df=2, P<.001), poor relationships with family (χ2=18.46, df=2, P<.001) and friends (χ2=19.14, df=2, P<.001), and poor sport activities (χ2=12.15, df=2, P=.002). Dysmenorrhea worsens during examination periods in 50% of cases. The most common pain symptom was low back pain (60.2%). Body mass index, family monthly income and early age at menarche had no correlation with the occurrence of dysmenorrhea. Of those with dysmenorrhea, 69.4% were using analgesics. Mothers were the main source of information regarding menstruation. Conclusions: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among young adult Jordanian females and seems to negatively affect quality of life, particularly as related to university attendance and performance and social relationships.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)173-185
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Menstruation
  • Quality of life
  • School absence
  • Young adult females

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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