ABSTRACT

Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecologic complaint and the leading cause of recurrent short-term school or work absenteeism among female adolescents and young adults. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and impact of dysmenorrhea among female students in University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. The study was carried out to, determine the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, amongst the students, elicit the predisposing factors to dysmenorrhea, assess the impact of dysmenorrheal on female students, to determine the treatment methods used to alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrheal and find out if any relationship exists between certain demographic data and impact of dysmenorrhea. The target population was female students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu Campus (UNEC). Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 270 female students. Data was collected using researchers constructed and validated questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used and results were presented in tables. Findings show that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was quite high (59.5%) as about 156 experienced primary dysmenorrhea and (40.5%) have never experienced primary dsymenorrhea. Amongst those who experience it, majority (71.7%) experience mild pain, many (17.9%) moderate and few (10.4%) severs pain. Factors that were identified to increase the severity of pain associated with dysmenorrheal were alcohol use (20.7%), smoking (25.9%), Drug use (29.0%), stress (12.9%), sugary foods/drinks (7.7%). The signs and symptoms experienced include nausea and vomiting (21.9%), frequent stooling (7.8%), loss of appetite (25.2%) and constipation (25.8%). Most female students (60.4%) academic activities re interfered by primary dsymenorrhea with few (39.2%) whose academic activities are not affected. Most students (60.5%) social activities are affected and about (39.2%) social activities are not affected. The non-pharmacological relief methods used include mostly rest and sleep (58.9%), exercise (26.2%) and massage (18.5%).  Also, the various aspects of their academics affected include their school attendance (59.6%), class participation (58.3%), taking tests (29.4%) and their grades (29.4%). In conclusion, the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea is quite high and it reportedly affects the school performance and attendance of female students. Therefore, it is being recommended that more attention should be devoted to providing health education on this topic to students.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Pagei

Certification page                                                                                                    ii

Approval page           iii

Dedicationiv

Acknowledgementv

Table of Contentsvi

List of Tablesvii

List of Figuresviii

List of Appendicesix

Abstract                                                                                                                   xii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study1

Statement of Problem5

Purpose of the Study            6

Objectives of the Study6

Significance of the study7

Research Questions7

Scope of Study7

Operational Definition of Terms8

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE OF REVIEW

Concept Primary Dysmenorrhea9

Etiology of Dysemorrhea10

Pathophysiology10

Measurement of Menstrual Cramps/Dysmenorrhea11

Factors that influence menstrual cramps11

Clinical Features of Dysmenorrhea                                                                           12

Diagnosis                                                                                                                  13

Management                                                                                                             13

Prognosis of Menstrual cramps14

Theoretical Review              15

Empirical Review18

Summary of Literature Review24

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

Research Design            26

Area of Study26

Population of Study26

Sampling Size            27

Sampling Procedure                        27

Instrument of Data Collection27

Validity of Instrument                                                                                             27

Reliability of Instrument                                   28 

Ethical Consideration28

Procedure of Data Collection28

Method of Data Analysis28

CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS OF DATA

Data Presentation                                                                                                        29

Summary of major findings37

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Discussion of major findings                                                                                  39

Summary                                                                                                                  42

Conclusion                                                                                                               43

Limitations of the Study                                                                                             44

Recommendations            44

Implications for Nursing                                               45

Suggestion for further Studies45

References                                                                                                                47

List of Appendices

Appendix 1: calculation of Sample size

Appendix 2: Reliability

Appendix 3: Questionnaire

Appendix 4: Letter of Identification from the department

Appendix 5: Ethical Clearance