20 Epidemiology of dysmenorrhoea.pmd

1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; 2Students’ University Hospital, University of Mansoura, Mansoura, Egypt (Correspondence to A-H. El-Gilany: [email protected]). Received: 21/04/03; accepted: 23/03/04 ABSTRACT To examine the prevalence, determinants, impact and treatment practices of dysmenorrhoea, we studied 664 female students in secondary schools in urban and rural areas. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. About 75% of the students experienced dysmenorrhoea (mild 55.3%, moderate 30.0%, severe 14.8%). Most did not seek medical advice although 34.7% treated themselves. Fatigue, headache, backache and dizziness were the commonest associated symptoms. No limitation of activities was reported by 47.4% of student with dysmenorrhoea, but this was significantly more reported by students with severe dysmenorrhoea. Significant predictors of dysmenorrhoea were older age, irregular or long cycle and heavy bleeding.