Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea and Its Sequel among Medical Students in a Malaysian University

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological problem among women of reproductive age group which can have an impact on professional and psycho-social life.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its sequels and factors influencing among the medical students in MAHSA University. To study the effect of dysmenorrhea on the personal and professional lives of students.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study carried out on 215 female medical students of MAHSA University in Malaysia. The study was conducted in the faculty of medicine, MAHSA university, Kuala Lumpur. The data was collected in a span of three months from March to May 2012. Data was collected by interview and clinical examination method using pretested structured proforma designed by the researcher. Measurement of body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage were done by using a digital scale.

Analysis: Data were analyzed into frequency percentage distribution and regression analysis was worked out for statistical significant association.

Results: The study showed that 78% complained of dysmenorrhea among which 52% was of moderate severity. The mean age group of the students with dysmenorrhea was 21.4±2.2 years and the mean age of menarche was 12.2±2 years. The 59% of the participants were Indians, 17.1% Malays, 16.6% Chinese and 7.1% others respectively. Among the students who had dysmenorrhea, 92.2% frequently consumed fast food and 61.7% students exercised on an average of 2 times a week. It was observed that among the students with dysmenorrhea 58.1% had normal BMI and obesity was seen in 9% of the students. Sixty-four percent of those who had dysmenorrhea did not take any medication. At the level of multivariable analysis using multiple binary logistic regression, race (Malay), interference with social life and family history of dysmenorrhea were significantly associated with dysmenorrhea adjusted for study year, premenstrual syndrome and number of pads (p value <0.05).

Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among female medical students and is associated with Malay population, family history of dysmenorrhea and interference in their social life.