A COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA: Prevalence, Symptomatology, Impact on Performance and Paradigm of Self-Care Among Undergraduate Students at a Tertiary Care Medical School | ||
| International Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain Prevention | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 07 January 2026 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| Authors | ||
| Pranav Menon* 1; Sandra Vincent2; Rhishika MS3 | ||
| 1Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P., India. | ||
| 2Department of Emergency Medicine, North Cumbria Integrated Care, NHS Foundation Trust, West Cumberland Hospital, Homewood Road, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 8JG. | ||
| 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paalana Institute of Medical Sciences, Palakkad, Kerala, India. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Aim: Primary dysmenorrhoea is among the most common gynaecological disorders, impairing quality of life, academic performance, and productivity. Despite its burden, PD remains underreported and inadequately managed in many populations. The study aims at scrutinizing the prevalence, determinants, management practices, and health-seeking behaviour of primary dysmenorrhoea, and to evaluate the utility of a novel multidimensional pain scale. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 women of reproductive age. Data regarding demographic variables, menstrual characteristics, family history, psychosocial stress, and management strategies were collected. Pain severity was measured using both conventional tools and a new scaling system. Findings: The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhoea was 71.26%. Menstrual duration >5 days and passage of clots significantly increased the risk of PD (OR >3). Family history and psychosocial stress were strong predictors, with the latter being more pronounced in severe (grade 3) cases of PD. Self-care measures such as hot water bags, fenugreek, and exercise were widely adopted but provided only partial relief in the patient subset. NSAIDs, particularly mefenamic acid and dicyclomine, were the most common medications used by the study bracket, though side effects were noted. Only 15.4% sought formal medical care for the above dyscrasia. The novel pain scale offered a more comprehensive assessment, capturing both subjective experience and functional impairment. Conclusion: PD is highly prevalent and multifactorial. The newly introduced pain scale may represent a first-of-its-kind approach, with potential to refine diagnosis, guide therapy, and advance future research. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Primary Dysmenorrhoea; Prevalence; Risk Factors; NSAIDs; Self-Care; Pain Scale | ||
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