Primary dysmenorrhoea among reproductive-age women at Kuala Selangor health clinic: Prevalence and factors associated.

INTRODUCTION

Primary dysmenorrhoea (PD) is a frequent gynaecological condition in adolescents and adult women worldwide, affecting their daily activity and leading to a lower quality of life. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, severity, and factors associated with PD among reproductive-age women at Kuala Selangor Health Clinic.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used systematic random sampling at the Kuala Selangor Health Clinic from 3rd July to 29th September 2017. This study included 213 women between the age of 18 and 35 years old. The questionnaires consist of sociodemographic, lifestyle activities, and menstrual history components with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for menstrual pain as well as the Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) to quantify the blood loss during menstruation.

RESULTS

A total of 210 women participated in this study with a response rate of 98.6%. The prevalence of PD was 60.5% with 13.4%, 75.6%, and 11.0% for mild, moderate, and severe in intensity, respectively. Nulliparous (OR: 5.1, CI: 1.508, 17.277, p = 0.009), first-degree family history of dysmenorrhoea (OR: 4.431, CI: 1.727, 11,368, p = 0.002), heavy menstrual blood flow (OR: 11.6, CI: 2.849, 47.53, p <0.001), and lack of regular physical exercise (OR: 14.037, CI: 5.161, 38.183, p < 0.001) were found as the significant association for PD. Meanwhile, having a short menstruation reduces the risk of PD during menstruation (OR: 0.04, CI: 0.004, 0.391, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

PD is prevalent among reproductive-age women. Physical exercise is a protective factor for PD, hence health care providers particularly those in primary care settings should regularly counsel and encourage women to be physically active.