Dysmenorrhea: Prevalence, Impacts and Coping Mechanisms among Medical Students in South East Nigeria.

Background: Dysmenorrhea refers to the pain and discomfort associated with the monthly menstrual period in women of child bearing age. It commonly presents as pain or cramps in the lower abdomen in addition to any of the following symptoms; bloating, diarrhea, nausea, waist pain etc. Dysmenorrhea is, reportedly, one of the commonest reasons for gynecological consultations in adolescents and young women. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, impacts and coping mechanisms for dysmenorrhea. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which data on prevalence, impacts and coping variables were collected from 110 female clinical medical students at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Awka using self-administered questionnaires. Same was analyzed and data presented in frequency tables. Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 82.7%. Severe pain was reported by 53.8% of respondents with the pain majorly located in the lower abdomen (91.2%) and causing school absenteeism (69.2%). Combined pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods were adopted as coping mechanisms by 69.7% of respondents. Only 19.8% had ever consulted a doctor on account of dysmenorrhea. Family history of dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with prevalence of dysmenorrhea. Conclusions: Dysmenorrhea is very common among the medical students yet, very few of them seek professional medical assistance. Increased awareness to aid prompt diagnosis and proper management of dysmenorrhea is essential to reduce its impact