Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhea on the Academic Performance of Students at Medical and Health Sciences University

Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation and is the most common menstrual symptom affecting adolescents. Evidence suggests that worldwide prevalence can be high and can significantly affect academic performance through its impact on activity, absenteeism, and other aspects of learning.

This is a cross-sectional survey using a pre-validated questionnaire incorporating demography, menstrual history, severity, and effects on academic performance. Female students selected by non-probability sampling of Ras al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University were included (calculated sample size=249).

A total of 252 students participated (mean age 20.14 years). The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 80.5%. Pain was severe for 25.1% (≥7/10 score),14.7% reported severely restricted daily activity, 66% received regular treatment, and 24(11.8%) required hospitalization during the last year due to pain. More than 50% of students missed academic sessions, 68% had trouble concentrating, 70. 4% were unable to study. 59% had an inability to complete assignments, 58% had trouble concentrating during examinations, and 8.8% missed assessments due to dysmenorrhea. The majority missed 1-2 days each month. Dysmenorrhea was a significant predictor of academic domains (AD) like reduced concentration, inability to complete assignments, missing lectures, and assessments [ adjusted OR-2.25, 5.57, 4.32, 3.96] with p less than .05 in each. Moderate to severe pain was an independent predictor of all AD compared to mild pain (score less than 3) (p=.026). Moderate to severe dysmenorrhea had a significant negative impact on academic performance(p=.02).

Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent health problem among university students and has a significant negative impact on education.