Effect of Dysmenorrhoea on the Quality Of Life among Secondary School Girls in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea which is painful menstruation affects the quality of life. After menarche many  adolescent girls face problems of irregular menstruation, excessive bleeding and dysmenorrhea. Of these  dysmenorrhea is one of the common problems experienced by most adolescent girls.
Objective: To determine the effect of dysmenorrhea on the academic activities among secondary school girls in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Method: A cross-sectional study conducted in Port Harcourt in 2011 using a 17-item semistructured self-administered questionnaire administered to two classes of a public secondary school to all girls who had attained menarche.
Results: A total of a hundred and ten students participated in the study. Age range of respondents was 11-17 years, mean 14.09 years. Age range at which menarche was attained was 7-15 years mean age at menarche 12.55 years. Number of girls had dysmenorrhea 88 (80%) and it affected academic activities in 60 (55%). Poor concentration in class, 35(58.33%), affects grades if it occurs during examinations and tests 1(1.67%), could not play with peers 13(21.67%) and school absenteeism 11(18.33%). Therapy taken for dysmenorrhea were rest 8(13.33%), drugs 26(43.33%), tea 10(16.67%), herbal 1(1.67%). Some took no form of therapy 15(25%).
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea has negative impact on school activities. Dysmenorrhea can be alleviated by analgesics that can be purchased over the counter.

Key words: Dysmenorrhea, Analgesics, Secondary School, Academic.