EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA IN KERMAN, IRAN

The prevalence and factors influencing the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea were studied in 768 female university students aged from 17.S to 44.2 years enrolled at the Kerman University of Medical Sciences and two teachers' training colleges. The overall prevalence of dysmenorrhea in this population was 72% 10.2% reported severe dysmenorrhea. The overall prevalence as well as the prevalence of severe dysmenorrhea decreased with age. A statistically significant association (P<0.05) was found between an early age of menarche and an increase in the severity of dysmenorrhea. There was also a statistically significant association (P<0.01) between the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea and marriage, and married women had significantly less dysmenorrhea (either in severity or prevalence) compared to non-married subjects. The prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea was not affected by factors such as height, weight, body mass index, region of residence, gynecological age, regularity of menstrual cycles, or duration or amount of menstrual bleeding.