Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dysmenorrhea among Female Undergraduates in Lagos State University

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea among female undergraduates in Lagos State University. A Descriptive survey design was conducted, involving simple random selection of 300 female students from five faculties and 60 students were purposively selected from each faculty. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, addressing menstrual pain, lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption and health behaviors. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, were employed to assess associations between dysmenorrhea and various variables. The findings revealed a notable prevalence of dysmenorrhea among the study population, with 72.33% of participants reporting menstrual pain and a chi-square value of 117.23. Further analysis highlights the significant impact of alcohol consumption and irregular menstrual cycles on the occurrence of dysmenorrhea, both identified as crucial risk factors. Specifically, students who reported regular alcohol consumption with 90.33% and a chi-square value of 109.88 were more likely to experience dysmenorrhea compared to their non-drinking counterparts. Additionally, individuals with irregular menstrual cycles with 90% and a chi-square value of 214.12 exhibited higher likelihood of experiencing dysmenorrhea. However, smoking did not emerge as a significant risk factor for dysmenorrhea in this study. The analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the prevalence of dysmenorrhea between smokers and non-smokers, suggesting that smoking may not play a substantial role in the manifestation of menstrual pain among the surveyed undergraduate students. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea among female undergraduate students of Lagos State University. The results underscore the importance of addressing alcohol consumption and irregular menstrual cycles in the management and prevention of dysmenorrhea, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers aiming to improve the reproductive health of young women in academic settings.