The Prevalence, Impact and Management Strategies of Dysmenorhea among Female Undergraduate of College of Health Technology in Akure Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is the most common cause of gynecological morbidity in women of reproductive age. It is an issue of public health concern, various misconceptions surrounds the effective management. The study looked at the prevalence, impact, and management strategies for dysmenorrhea among female undergraduates at Akure South Ondo State College of Health Technology. A cross sectional descriptive design was conducted among 158 female undergraduates within three departments (Medical Laboratory Technicians, Junior Community Health Extension Workers and Pharmacy) in 100 level and 200 level. The developed questionnaire was administered personally to the respondents. The mean age and mean age of menarche of respondents was 20.16±2.59 and 12.40±1.92 respectively. The findings indicated a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea (74.1%) among undergraduates.. Although dysmenorrhea has significant impact, respondent identified more with restrictions from physical activities, poor concentration, social withdrawal, mood swings, loss of appetite and sleep. In other to counter this various impact diverse strategies were implored especially sleep (70.8%) and heat therapy (60.8%), although, few of the respondent reported they perform self- medication with most common drug use being paracetamol (47.5%), felvin-20 (34.2%), Diclofenac (28.5%) and ibuprofen (22.2%) only few used tramadol (4.4%) and morphine (7.0%). Which is usually taken during the menstruation and often as needed? Also inference drawn from hypothesis testing stated that there is a statistical significant relationship between respondent department as well as age of menarche and the management strategies of dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is still a challenge to female health. The choice of self- medication has a detrimental effect on the health of young women. It is therefore advisable that they seek medical consultation and that they are properly health educated on the effective and scientifically proven management practice on dysmenorrhea.