Comparison of Menstrual Pain among Dysmenorrhea and Non- Dysmenorrhea University Students

ABSTRACT: Dysmenorrhea is a gynecological state of cramps with painful menstruation. In this condition, pain initiates for a short period before or at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and lasts for 1-3 days. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out at The University of Lahore, to assess the menstrual pain among dysmenorrhea and non-dysmenorrhea university students. A total of 150 menstruating females were divided into two groups: the dysmenorrhea group: 75 females aged between 21 to 30 years complaining of dysmenorrhea and non-dysmenorrhea group: 75 females aged between 21 to 30 years having normal menstruation were enrolled. Data were collected through interview form and participating females were preinformed regarding the risks and benefits of the study and written informed consent was taken from the participants. Participants were assessed through a pre-tested questionnaire using a non-probability convenient sampling technique and data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Among the non-dysmenorrhea group 55 females were having pain in 1 hour, while in the dysmenorrhea group only 9 females were having pain for 1 hour and 39 females were having pain >3 hours. According to the non-dysmenorrhea group, 9 females were using hot applications whereas in the dysmenorrhea group 34 were used hot applications. Among the non-dysmenorrhea group, 26 females were effected due to menstrual pain and were unable to perform daily activities whereas in the dysmenorrhea group 60 females were affected and unable to perform their daily activities. It was concluded that in dysmenorrhea groups more females were taking painkillers, using hot applications, doing messages and were unable to perform the daily activity as compared to the non-dysmenorrhea group