DYSMENORRHOEA: PREVALENCE, IMPACT AND KNOWLEDGE ASPECT OF TREATMENT IN FEMALES OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Objectives: To describe the prevalence, severity, impact and treatment aspects of dysmenorrhoea in females of reproductive age group in tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and Methods: This was a questionnaire based survey type study. Detail information regarding demographic profile, menstrual history and dysmenorrhoea was   analysed.  Severity of dysmenorrhoea was evaluated by a Menstrual Distress questionnaire (MDS). Visual analogue scale (VASP) was used to measure pain. Analysis was done by mean, SD and Chi square. Results: Out of 350 females, 198 (56.57%) females had dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhoea was observed more common in unmarried females (93.43%) and in age group of 15-19 year (48.28%). Regularity of menstrual cycle had no statistically significant association with dysmenorrhea.  Most common domain of MDS score was Pain (92.93%) followed by Negative affect (71.71%), Behavioural change (61.11%) and concentration (54.54%). By VAS score, severity of pain was mild to moderate in majority of females (82.33%). Only 27.78% females had taken treatment. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is a very common problem and affects quality of life in reproductive aged females. Dysmenorrhea will require the attention and can be better managed by appropriate change in lifestyle, assurance and medicine.