Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecologic complaint among adolescents and young females. It is often regarded  by many as normal, seeking medical attention only when it is unbearable.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and effects of dysmenorrhoea among women in Maiduguri.

Methods: This is a cross  sectional descriptive study among female students in six tertiary institutions in Maiduguri, Borno state. Three hundred structured  questionnaires were administered to ascertain the epidemiology, associated risk factors and possible effect of dysmenorrhoea.

Results:  About 63% currently had pain during menses and 69.7% had experienced primary dysmenorrhoea in the past. One third each of such  pain were moderate (35%) to require medication and severe (31.7%) as to restrict routine activities, in 8.3% the menstrual pain was so  severe to warrant admission in the hospital. There was significant association between current dysmenorrhoea and previous primary  dysmenorrhoea, positive family history of dysmenorrhoea, past history of D& C and other gynaecological problems, while smoking was  not shown to have any statistically significant relationship. There was an inverse relationship between previous pregnancies and current  episode of dysmenorrhoea.

Conclusion: Dysmenorrhoea is prevalent among women, yet many do not seek medical attention unless it  became unbearable.