(331) Impact of Primary Dysmenorrhea on Self-Image in Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD), or menstrual pain that is not associated with underlying pathology, is a common condition known to affect 45-95% of menstruating women. Although highly prevalent, a lack of knowledge exists in regards to how girls and young women conceive of their menstrual pain and the ways in which their menstrual pain affects their perceptions and views of themselves and their bodies (self-image). The goal of this qualitative study was to determine impact of menstrual pain on self-image in adolescents and young adults (AYA). Subjects included 39 females ages 16-24 with self-reported menstrual pain ≥ 4/10 on a 0-10 (0= none, 10= worst pain possible) numeric rating scale (M=7.1, SD=1.7). Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and the research team then conducted deductive, iterative thematic analysis. Any discrepancies were resolved with group consensus discussion. Three sets of themes emerged: 1. Harmful impact of PD on self-image, including self-frustration, concerns about others’ views, and negative body image; 2. Beneficial impact on self-image, including strength and empowerment and femininity/womanhood; and 3. No impact on self-image. The diverging themes raise questions about the ways in which underlying factors (such as resiliency, PD normalization, and coping mechanisms) may give rise to a spectrum of self-image responses to PD. This study contributes to an understanding of AYA self-image related to menstrual pain, which may aid in the development of future interventions and treatments. Further research should explore how targeting self-image in therapy could impact pain and functioning in AYA with PD. Acknowledgements and Disclosures: This study was supported by National Institutes of Health NICHD grant K23HD077042 (PI: Laura A. Payne) and NCATS University of California Los Angeles Clinical and Translational Science Institute grant KL2TR000122 (PI: Laura A. Payne).