Prevalence of menstrual symptoms and primary dysmenorrhea among medical undergraduates in south Indian population

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is known as a painful period during menstruation. It is the widely prevalent and common complaint among young women, which affects their quality of life. The aim is to assess the prevalence of menstrual symptoms and primary dysmenorrhea during menstruation among medical undergraduates and its effects on the quality of their life. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 Medical undergraduates at Saveetha Medical college. The participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire on menstrual symptoms and primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea was reported in 43.9% (27) of participants. Abdominal pain was reported in 78% (46), and 52% (31) of girls felt weak and tired during menses. In 40% (24) of girls, there has been a family history of primary dysmenorrhea. Abdominal pain was found to be highly prevalent among adolescent girls. Family history, bleeding duration, tiredness are some of the risk factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea.