PREVALENCE OF DYSMENORRHEA AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Dr. P. Renuga*, Dr. V. Sharmatha, Karthik Raja R., Keerthi R., Krishnamoorthi M., Dr. S. Kannan

Background: Dysmenorrhea or painful menstrual cramps, is one of the most common gynecological complaints among adolescent girls and young women’s. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the prevalence, characteristics, and effects of dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in selected residential colleges of Bhavani taluk, Erode district. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate dysmenorrhea and associated symptoms among adolescent and young women’s in selected residential college of Bhavani taluk, Erode district and also to educate and create awareness regarding dysmenorrhea, its management, and reproductive health among adolescent girls. Methodology: An observational study was conducted among 307 adolescent girls in selected residential college of Bhavani taluk Erode district using a structured questionnaire. Inclusion criteria was all adolescent girls who had reached menarche, in the age group of 17-25 and girls suffering from PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids. The study does not include girls below the age of 17 years or above 25 years, those who take oral contraceptives, and also people with previous medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism. Results: The present study showed that most of the adolescent girls 163(53.1%) have a lack of knowledge about dysmenorrhea. Out of 307 samples 207(67.42%) had mild pain, 31(10.1%) had moderate pain, 29(9.44%) had severe pain, 40(13.02%) had no pain during menstruation. Most common symptoms experienced by the girls was cramp pain 109(35.5%); other symptoms experienced during menstruation were bleeding 95(30.94%), vomiting 66(21.49%), nausea 37(12.05%). Mensuration impacts daily activities for 107(34.8%) of the study population and most of the student lacked knowledge about the names of medications used for relieving menstrual pain. Conclusion: Based on the current study, it can be concluded that dysmenorrhea is a significant health issue among adolescent girls that hampers their daily activities, academic performance, and quality of life. This study underlines the importance of proper menstrual education, awareness of non-pharmacological treatment options, and supportive measures to empower adolescent girls to manage their menstrual health efficiently.