Relationship Between General Health and Dysmenorrhea in Students at Shahrekord University in 2018

Abstract

Background and aims: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common problems that women experience. Dysmenorrhea brings about psychological problems for women and adversely affects their performance. Therefore, providing, maintaining, and promoting the health of women is an important goal. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between general health and Dysmenorrhea in students of Shahrekord University in 2018.   Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 245 female students were selected by random cluster sampling method from Shahrekord University in 2018. Data were collected using the GHQ28, visual analogue scale (VAS), and a reliable and valid questionnaire designed by the researchers to determine menstrual pattern. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent samples t test.   Results: The mean age at menarche was 13.5 years. Dysmenorrhea was observed in 82.8% of students. The severity of pain was measured by the VAS scale, indicating that 22.3% of the participants had severe menstrual pain. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea in participants with a family history of Dysmenorrhea was greater and statistically significant. The result of the t-test showed that there is a relationship between dysmenorrhea and the general health of the participants (P=0.036). There was also a significant relationship between menstrual cycle regularity and physical characteristics of the participants (P=0.019). Significant relationships were also found regarding the interval between menstrual cycles and physical symptoms (P=0.026), and depression and general health (P=0.0001).   Conclusion: Due to the importance of dysmenorrhea and its high prevalence among female students, it is important to provide education and control on this disorder to improve the quality of life of women. It is also beneficial to create counseling centers to raise awareness of the psychological health of female students suffering from dysmenorrhea.