Patterns and associated factors of complementary and alternative therapy use for dysmenorrhea among undergraduate students in North India

Abstract

Background and Objective

Dysmenorrhea is common among young women and adversely affects daily activities and academic performance. Concerns regarding long-term use of analgesics have increased reliance on complementary and alternative therapies (CAT). This study aimed to assess the use of CAT and its association with the severity of dysmenorrhea among undergraduate students.

Methods

A quantitative descriptive study was conducted among undergraduate nursing students at a tertiary care institute in Uttarakhand, North India. A total enumerative sampling approach was adopted, enrolling 293 students who reported experiencing dysmenorrhea within the preceding 6 months. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire that covered socio-demographic and menstrual characteristics, dysmenorrhea severity assessed using the WaLIDD scale, and CAT utilization measured through a structured Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, and effect size estimation using Cramer’s V.

Results

The mean age of participants was 21.2±1.5 years. Overall, 51.9% reported moderate dysmenorrhea and 14.0% severe dysmenorrhea. Supportive CATs such as chocolates, music therapy, local heat application, and hot drinks were most commonly used. Increasing dysmenorrhea severity was significantly associated with higher CAT utilization across all domains, with the strongest association observed for supportive methods (P<.001; Cramer’s V=0.23). Higher academic year and sharp intermittent pain were significantly associated with moderate–severe dysmenorrhea.

Conclusion

Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among undergraduate students, and greater severity is associated with increased CAT use. Integrating evidence-based nonpharmacological interventions into campus health services may improve menstrual health outcomes.