Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its impact on quality of life among female undergraduates of basic medical sciences
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Date
2026-04-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Radiation Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Abstract
Purpose: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition that significantly affects the physical,
emotional, and academic functioning of young women. This study investigated the prevalence of
dysmenorrhea and its impact on quality of life among female undergraduates in the Faculty of Basic
Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and study conducted between
January and February 2025. Using stratified random sampling, 229 female students from the
Departments of Anatomy and Physiology participated in the study. Data were collected through a
structured questionnaire incorporating the Women’s Assessment of Life with Dysmenorrhea
(WaLIDD) Score and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Quality of Life Scale. Data were analyzed using
SPSS version 25.0, with Chi-square tests used to examine associations between dysmenorrhea
severity and quality-of-life domains at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 95%, with 60% reporting moderate symptoms and
10% severe symptoms. Most respondents experienced pain lasting one to two days, commonly
localized to a single site. Significant associations were found between dysmenorrhea severity and
several quality-of-life domains, including physical functioning, role limitations (physical and
emotional), pain, social functioning, energy/fatigue, and emotional well-being (p < 0.05). However,
general health perception was not significantly associated with severity (p > 0.05). Dysmenorrhea
substantially limited vigorous activities, reduced social participation, and negatively influenced
academic productivity. Common coping strategies included analgesic use, rest, heat application, and
exercise.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent and exerts considerable negative effects on multiple
domains of quality of life among female undergraduates. Institutional support systems, menstrual
health education, and integrated pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are
recommended to mitigate its impact and enhance students’ well-being and academic performance
Description
Keywords
Dysmenorrhea, Prevalence, Quality of Life, Female Undergraduates, Academic Performance, Menstrual Pain, WaLIDD Score, SF-36.
Citation
Mohammed, H.A., Oladunmomi, A.F., Gwadabe, S.M., Abdulkadir, M.K., Saliu G., A., & Abdulwasiu, Z.A. (2026). Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its impact on quality of life among female undergraduates of basic medical sciences. Journal of Radiation Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 1(1), 14-27. Published by Department of Medical Radiography University of Maiduguri. Available online at: https://doi.org/10.66353/jrmbs-LXVK5407