Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms in medical college students and its impact on academic performance and their willingness to seek help

Aim: Assess the prevalence and impact of primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms on the academic performance of medical students and their willingness to seek help. Method: An observational study was conducted among female medical students aged 18-29 years for 1 year. After written and informed consent, a standard questionnaire and Modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ)was used to assess the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms and its impact on the academic life. And the willingness to seek help was assessed. Findings: The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhoea was 41.5% in this study.62.02% had premenstrual symptoms.14.1% had absenteeism from college/ work for 1-2days per year, 14.1% had absenteeism for more than one week, 12.4% had lack of concentration and 10.5% suffered from social withdrawal. Disturbance in sleep routine and daily activities were noted in 12.7% and 9.5% of the participants respectively. The most common premenstrual symptoms were crying (9.9%). Premenstrual symptoms such as mood swings (8.9%), lack of decisiveness (6.5%), abdominal pain (19.4%), breast pain (8.2%) and insomnia (9.2%) were also noted. 9.8% exercised, 19.7% used hot shower, 5.1% used hot pack, and 33.4% used analgesics as a coping mechanism for dysmenorrhoea. 8.9% consulted a gynaecologist for the dysmenorrhoea and 91% did not consult as they were medical students and were aware of the condition themselves. Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms are widely prevalent among the medical students.Larger study should be conducted to assess the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea and guide them to seek professional help so as to reduce the impact on their social, physical, academic and mental health.