DETERMINANTS AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA IN PAKISTANI WOMEN: A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a highly prevalent gynecological condition, yet its specific burden and impact on university students in Pakistan remain inadequately documented. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity, and associated factors of primary dysmenorrhea among students at three different institutions in Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 598 female students recruited via purposive sampling. Data were collected from Sohail University, Insaf Medical Complex and Diagnostic Lab, Jinnah Medical and dental hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMU), Abbasi Shaheed Hospital using a structured questionnaire, which included a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain severity and the SF-20 questionnaire for quality of life assessment. Results: The study found a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea (75.6%), with 70.1% of affected participants reporting moderate-to-severe pain. A significant association was observed between heavier menstrual flow and the presence of dysmenorrhea (p=.019). Furthermore, participants without dysmenorrhea reported significantly higher physical activity levels (p=.027), suggesting a potential protective effect. Menstrual irregularity was also linked to lower quality of life scores. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea represents a major health issue with a substantial impact on the student population. The findings highlight the role of menstrual flow intensity and physical activity as significant associated factors. There is an urgent need to integrate evidence-based menstrual health education and promote non-pharmacological management strategies, such as physical activity, within university health services to mitigate this prevalent condition.