Prevalence and Associated Factors of Primary Dysmenorrhea Among Debre Tabor University Students, North Central Ethiopia

Primary dysmenorrhea is a painful menstrual cramp without any evident pathology to account for them. It is the most common gynecologic disorders and frequently observed cause of anxiety and discomfort among female adolescents. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, its effect on academic performance and factors associated among Debre Tabor University students. An Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June, 2017. A total of 183 regular students from all departments at Debre Tabor University were included. Structured and pretested self-administrated questionnaires were used. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed. The result indicated the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 62.3%. Among them students with primary dysmenorrhea 67 (58.7%) had negative effect on their daily activities. Family history of dysmenorrhea (AOR=2.930 95%CI: 1.505, 5.707), early age of menarche 12-15 (AOR=4.072, 95% CI. 2.039) and menstrual cycle irregularity (AOR=2.262, 95% CI: 1.102, 4,643) were factors that significantly contributed to the presence of primary dysmenorrhea. Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea among Debre Tabor University student was high. It has negative effect on daily activities and academic performances of the students. Family history of dysmenorrhea, early age of menarche and menstrual cycle irregularity are factors that significantly contributed to the presence of primary dysmenorrhea among students of Debre Tabor University. Thus appropriate medical management and counseling should be considered to engage students in physical activity.