Kavitha P, Neelambikai N
Department of Physiology, Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

• Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual disorder with a major impact on women’s quality of life, work productivity, and health-care utilization. Prevalence of dysmenorrhea in women of the reproductive age group is 70 – 91%, and severe pain contributes to 2 – 29 %.
• Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among women in the reproductive age group in Peelamedu area in Coimbatore, and assess the association of dysmenorrhea in relation to age, parity, child birth and family history.
• Materials and Methods: A total of 390 women gave their written consent and participated in the study. All the participants answered a detailed questionnaire containing items about their reproductive and menstrual history. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-squared test.
• Results: Prevalence of dysmenorrhea among women in the reproductive age group was found to be 69.75%. The association between dysmenorrhea and childbirth, age, parity and family history was found to be statistically significant with a p value of < 0.001.
• Conclusion: Prevalence of dysmenorrhea among women in the reproductive age group in Peelamedu area in Coimbatore was found to be 69.75%. Prevalence of dysmenorrhea decreased with increased age and increased parity and increased with positive family history and before childbirth.

Keywords: childbirth, dysmenorrhea, nulliparous, menarche, prevalence