Comparison of Physical Activity, Quality of Life and Menstrual Symptoms by Menstrual Pain Intensity in Turkish Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare physical activity, quality of life, and menstrual symptoms by pain intensity in Turkish women with primary dysmenorrhea.
 
 Method: Women with primary dysmenorrhea (n = 333) were divided into mild, moderate and severe-pain groups based on pain intensity. Physical and demographic characteristics of the participants were recorded. Pain intensity by Visual Analogue Scale, physical activity level by International Physical Activity Questionnaire-7 (IPAQ-7), quality of life by Short Form-36 (SF-36) were assessed. The presence of menstrual symptoms was recorded. 
 
 Result: Physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, role limitations due to emotional and physical problems scores of SF-36 in the severe-pain group were lower than in the mild-pain group (p < 0.05). Physical functioning and bodily pain scores of SF-36 in the moderate-pain group were lower than in the mild-pain group (p < 0.05). Role limitations due to emotional problems and bodily pain scores of SF-36 in the moderate-pain group were higher than in the severe-pain group (p < 0.05). IPAQ-7 scores did not show difference among three groups (p > 0.05). Severe-pain group had a greater number of menstrual symptoms than other groups (p < 0.05). 
 
 Conclusion: In this study, there was no difference between physical activity level and menstrual pain intensities in Turkish women with primary dysmenorrhea. In addition, the higher menstrual pain intensity was associated with lower quality of life and higher frequency of menstrual symptoms. Therefore, these parameters should be taken into account for assessment and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.