BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2006 · 208 citations · 22 references
MedicineGynecologyObstetricsMenstrual DisordersReproductive HealthWomen's HealthGynecologic InfectionsMenstrual CycleMenstrual HealthPremenstrual SyndromeReproductive Disease EpidemiologyReproductive Tract InfectionsBurdenClinical Diagnosis Of DysmenorrheaEligible PersonsMenstrual Pain EpidemiologyMenstrual Pain SeverityPremenstrual SymptomatologyPrimary DysmenorrheaRisk Factors For Dysmenorrhea
The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify determinants of dysmenorrhoea among women in Goa, India. A cross‑sectional survey of 2262 women aged 18‑45 in Goa collected standardized questionnaire data and biological specimens to assess menstrual pain and associated risk factors. More than half of participants reported dysmenorrhoea, with 33 % experiencing moderate‑to‑severe pain; risk factors included violence, somatic and gynecological complaints, menorrhagia, and illiteracy, while pregnancy, older menarche, and older age were protective, underscoring a substantial burden linked to social disadvantage and comorbidity.
To describe the prevalence and determinants of dysmenorrhoea, the most common menstrual complaint, in a community in India.Cross-sectional survey.Catchment area of primary health centre in Goa, India.Three thousand women aged 18-45 years randomly selected. A total of 2494 women consented to participate (83.1%).Eligible participants were asked standardised questions regarding menstrual complaints over the past 12 months, and socio-demographic, psychosocial and reproductive risk factors. Vaginal or urine specimens were collected for the diagnosis of reproductive tract infections.Dysmenorrhoea of moderate to severe intensity.A total of 2262 women were eligible. More than half reported dysmenorrhoea; moderate to severe dysmenorrhoea was reported by 755 participants (33.4%, 95% CI 31.4-35.4). There was a linear association between severity of pain and impact (medication and taking rest) and the onset of pain (premenstrual onset associated with more severe pain). On multivariate analyses, the risk of moderate-severe dysmenorrhoea was associated with the experience of violence (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.5-34); other somatic complaints (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.7-4.9 for highest somatoform symptom score category compared with the lowest); gynaecological complaints (non-menstrual lower abdominal pain: OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.3-2.3; dysuria: OR 1.98, 1.4-2.7); menorrhagia (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.4-2.6); and illiteracy (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.0-1.7). Having had a pregnancy (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.4-0.7), older age of menarche (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.5-0.9, for age >14 compared with <13 years) and older age (OR 0.43, 0.3-0.6 for age 40-50, compared with 18-24 years) were protective.The burden of dysmenorrhoea is greater than any other gynaecological complaint, and is associated with significant impact. Social disadvantage, co-morbidity with other somatic syndromes and reproductive factors are determinants of this complaint.
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