Prevalence and risk factors of primary dysmenorrhoea among medical students: a cross-sectional survey in Indonesia

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of primary dysmenorrhoea among medical students in Indonesia.

Design: A web-based survey was conducted among 630 medical students across Indonesia, selected based on specific inclusion criteria. Dysmenorrhoea prevalence, severity and associated risk factors were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. To analyse the data, univariate and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were performed. A significance level of 5% (p<0.05) was used for both types of analyses to determine the statistical significance of the observed associations.

Setting and participants: Indonesia (2021: n=630 female medical students).

Outcomes: The primary outcome is primary dysmenorrhoea, defined as painful menses without previous diagnosis of pelvic pathology. The severity of dysmenorrhoea was measured using the Verbal Multidimensional Scoring System. Independent variables include socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual history and other identified associated risk factors.

Results: Of the 630 Indonesian medical students surveyed, a large proportion (91.27%) reported experiencing dysmenorrhoea, with 52.35% experiencing moderate-to-severe pain. Family history of dysmenorrhoea emerged as a significant predictor for both occurrence (OR 3.76; 95% CI 1.89 to 7.45) and severity (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.06). Dysmenorrhoea severity was positively associated with cycle length (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.43), whereas higher body mass index (BMI) (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.90 to 0.98) and being Indonesian of foreign descent (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.84) were negatively associated with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhoea.

Conclusions: Dysmenorrhoea is prevalent among Indonesian medical students, with family history, BMI, cycle length and race significantly associated with its occurrence or severity. These findings underscore the need for further research on more diverse populations to enhance awareness and address this prevalent gynaecological concern effectively.

Keywords: Community gynaecology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dysmenorrhea; Gynaecology; Prevalence; Risk Factors.