Prevalence, Wellbeing, and Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea among University Nursing Students in Greece.

Eugenia Vlachou,Eleni Evagelou,Maria Lavdaniti,Eftychia Evangelidou,Nikoletta Margari,Ourania Govina,Dimitra Anna Owens,John Kalemikerakis,Georgia Fasoi,Athanasios N Tsartsalis

doi:10.3390/diseases7010005

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation) is one of the most common medical conditions among women of reproductive age. Dysmenorrhea has been studied around the world but not yet in Greece. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of dysmenorrhea on the wellbeing (exercising, and social and academic functioning) among nursing students in Greece. A cross-sectional study of 637 nursing students was conducted by administering a questionnaire at a university in Athens. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 89.2% and the rate of severe intensity was 52.5%. Factors that were associated with severe dysmenorrhea were family history (p = 0.02), early menarche (p = 0.05) and menstruation duration (p = 0.05). Women with moderate and severe pain reported using pain relievers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol etc., p < 0.0005). Finally, activities affected by severe pain were class attendance (p = 0.01), personal studying (p < 0.0005), exercising (p < 0.0005), and socializing (p < 0.0005). Exam attendance (p = 0.27) and clinical placement attendance (p = 0.48) were not affected by severe dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea has a high prevalence among nursing students and seems to affect important aspects of wellbeing and academic performance when the pain intensity is severe. The present findings lay the foundation for further investigation of dysmenorrhea both in the Greek population and cross-culturally.

Highlights

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common medical conditions and complaints voiced by women during their reproductive life
We found that more participants with severe pain reported having their first menstruation at age 12 or younger than these that reported having it at older age
Regarding the impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning and wellbeing of the students during menstruation, we showed that severe pain negatively affected attendance of classes, personal studying, exercising, and socializing during menstruation

Summary

Introduction

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common medical conditions and complaints voiced by women during their reproductive life. It is a leading cause of absenteeism from school or college and work [1,2]. The Greek term of dysmenorrhea is globally used meaning “painful monthly bleeding”. This gynecological condition, affecting as many as 50% of menstruating women, usually takes place after 6–24 months of menarche. Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by pain during menstruation without organic lesion in pelvis, caused by increased endometrial prostaglandin production [7,8]. Secondary dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menses associated with medical gynecological disorders such as endometriosis [9], adhesions, cysts, pelvic tumors, etc. [8]

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Conclusion