Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dysmenorrhea in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Case–Control Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64960/srimedj.v40i6.269214Keywords:
dysmenorrhea, adolescent health, young adult, risk factors, prevalence, endometriosisAbstract
Background and Objective: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecologic condition that significantly affects women's quality of life. Variations in prevalence across age groups and challenges in distinguishing primary from secondary dysmenorrhea remain concerns, particularly in guiding appropriate management. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and underlying causes of dysmenorrhea among individuals in a defined age group seeking care at a hospital.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study (1:3) was conducted at a tertiary hospital by reviewing electronic medical records from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Records of 1,160 patients aged 10–25 with gynecologic conditions were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify associated risk factors, with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Dysmenorrhea prevalence in this age group was 10.5% (290/2,752). Among these cases, 73.4% (213/290) were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, while 26.6% (77/290) had endometriosis. The youngest age of onset was 12 for dysmenorrhea and 16 for endometriosis. Of the affected individuals, 110 (38.7%) were students, with the majority—75 (68.2%)—enrolled in primary and secondary school. Nulliparity (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.05–3.95; p = 0.034), smoking (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.28–10.59; p = 0.017), menstrual irregularity (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.07–2.00; p = 0.016) and heavy menstrual bleeding (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.77–6.01; p < 0.001) were significant risk factors.
Conclusions: The study highlights the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, as well as key risk factors, among adolescents and young adults. The findings support the need for targeted clinical management and school-based health education and counseling initiatives.
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