International Journal of Women's Health (Apr 2022)
Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea and Associated Factors Among Haramaya University Students, Eastern Ethiopia
Abstract
Tiruye Tilahun Mesele,1 Merga Dheresa,2 Lemessa Oljira,3 Elias Bekele Wakwoya,4 Getu Megersa Gemeda4 1School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia; 4Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Arsi University, Asella, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Elias Bekele Wakwoya, Tel +251 913070421, Email [email protected]: Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem among adolescents and a common cause of school absenteeism. Previously, there was no study conducted on prevalence of dysmenorrhea and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess prevalence and associated factors of dysmenorrhea among Haramaya university undergraduate regular students in Eastern Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February to March 2020. A multistage random sampling technique was applied and a total of 569 participants were included into the study. The total sample size was proportionally allocated based on the total number of students in each departments, and simple random sampling technique was employed to select participants. The data were entered to EPI‑info version 3.5.4 and then exported to Statistical Package for Social Science version 23.0 software for analysis. The associations between independent variables and outcome variable were explored using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. The results of these analysis were reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea in this study was 356 (64.7%) 95% CI [60.7%, 68.7%]. Premenstrual syndrome (AOR = 5.20:95% CI [2.82, 9.61]), early menarche (AOR = 4.67:95% CI [2.33, 9.37]), history of anxiety (AOR = 4.08:95% CI [2.31, 7.19]), taking of ≥ 4 glass of tea per day (AOR = 5.69:95% CI [1.49, 21.77]), usually eating fat and oil (AOR = 2.03:95% CI [1.15, 3.59]) and usual use of meat food (AOR = 3.61:95% CI [2.03, 6.39]) were positively and independently associated with the occurrence of dysmenorrhea.Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea was a common problem among Haramaya University female students. History of anxiety, early menarche, premenstrual syndrome, tea consumption, usual use of fat and oil containing food and usual use of meat food were significantly associated to dysmenorrhea. We recommend Haramaya University to provide accessible and appropriate medical treatment and counseling service for dysmenorrhea affected students.Keywords: dysmenorrhea, menstruation, Ethiopia, associated factors
