Dysmenorrhea among University of Ghana Medical and Dental Students: Prevalence and management options

Abstract

Objective: Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is a common gynaecological disorder that affects the quality of life of most women in their reproductive years. Many women resort to the use of drugs and other remedies in an attempt to relieve this menstrual pain. The aims of the current study were to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female students of the University of Ghana Medical and Dental School, and also to identify common management strategies among these students.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2020, using an online questionnaire among 170 female students in the University of Ghana Medical and Dental School. Data was coded, stored and analyzed using SPSS version 23.     Results: Prevalence of dysmenorrhea among respondents was 91%; with significant correlation between dysmenorrhea and family history, duration of bleed, onset of pain and duration of pain. Data showed that 89% of students with dysmenorrhea engaged in self-medication. The commonest drug used by respondents with dysmenorrhea was paracetamol. A large number of the respondents who had dysmenorrhea had mood disturbances and majority also reported that dysmenorrhea affected their day-to-day (academic) activities.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea was found to be highly prevalent among female medical and dental students, with self-medication being the most common management strategy. Among the various drugs used in management, paracetamol was found to be commonest.