Background and Aims:
Dysmenorrhea poses a significant health challenge, affecting not only the daily lives and quality of life of female students but also presenting implications for healthcare providers. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and explore how female students manage its symptoms, focusing particularly on their self-initiated strategies to alleviate discomfort.
Methods:
Employing a descriptive cross-sectional methodology, this investigation was carried out at Alghad International College for females. A sample of 107 students was selected through convenience sampling. Data collection methods included structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires for every student, with the first part gathering baseline characteristics of the participants. The subsequent parts evaluated the menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea history and experiences, its impact on physical and psychological well-being, and the self-management techniques employed.
Results:
Findings indicated that a significant portion of the participants, 59.8%, experienced moderate pain due to dysmenorrhea, with many reporting that heat did not alleviate their symptoms. Moreover, a large majority of respondents—74.8%, 76.6%, and 72% of school custodians concurred on the lack of exercise as a method for managing dysmenorrhea.
Conclusions:
The study concluded that extended menstrual periods and the presence of blood clots are potent predictors of dysmenorrhea among female students, who generally demonstrated inadequate self-management skills for dealing with dysmenorrhea. Recommendations: The study advocates for enhanced educational and awareness efforts regarding dysmenorrhea. It emphasizes the importance of encouraging students suffering from dysmenorrhea to seek further consultation and assistance from healthcare professionals.
Key words: Dysmenorrhea, Self-Management, Female Students
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