Abstract

PREVALENCE, SEVERITY, AND IMPACT OF DYSMENORRHEA ON THE WELLBEING OF FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN KENYA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Jim Amisi*, Maureen W. Chege, Susan M. Atieno, Nahashon G. Akunga, Felix Hosea and Helmut Khol

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is a disorder characterized by discomfort in the lower abdominal area experienced either before or while having menstrual periods. There is limited evidence on the prevalence, severity and effect on the physical, mental, and emotional health of female students in Kenya. This study, therefore, evaluated the prevalence, severity, and impact of dysmenorrhea on the wellbeing of female students in Kabarak University. A cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study with a sample of 334 obtained via random sampling technique. Open-ended and closed questionnaires were formulated and shared via an online Google form which was circulated to the target respondents on the social media platforms. Majority of the participants experienced their menarche between the ages of 13 and 15 years (66.7%), with menstruation lasting on average between 4 and 7 days (68.3%). The study found a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea of 72.5%, with majority of the students describing the severity of pain as very painful. The study also showed that dysmenorrhea has negative impacts on the health, social, and academic lives of the students.

Keywords: Dysmenorrhea, Prevalence, Severity, Wellbeing, Female students.