ABSTRACT
Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecologic complaint and the leading cause of recurrent short-term school or work absenteeism among female adolescents and young adults. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and impact of dysmenorrhea among female students in University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. The study was carried out to, determine the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, amongst the students, elicit the predisposing factors to dysmenorrhea, assess the impact of dysmenorrheal on female students, to determine the treatment methods used to alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrheal and find out if any relationship exists between certain demographic data and impact of dysmenorrhea. The target population was female students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu Campus (UNEC). Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 270 female students. Data was collected using researchers constructed and validated questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used and results were presented in tables. Findings show that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was quite high (59.5%) as about 156 experienced primary dysmenorrhea and (40.5%) have never experienced primary dsymenorrhea. Amongst those who experience it, majority (71.7%) experience mild pain, many (17.9%) moderate and few (10.4%) severs pain. Factors that were identified to increase the severity of pain associated with dysmenorrheal were alcohol use (20.7%), smoking (25.9%), Drug use (29.0%), stress (12.9%), sugary foods/drinks (7.7%). The signs and symptoms experienced include nausea and vomiting (21.9%), frequent stooling (7.8%), loss of appetite (25.2%) and constipation (25.8%). Most female students (60.4%) academic activities re interfered by primary dsymenorrhea with few (39.2%) whose academic activities are not affected. Most students (60.5%) social activities are affected and about (39.2%) social activities are not affected. The non-pharmacological relief methods used include mostly rest and sleep (58.9%), exercise (26.2%) and massage (18.5%). Also, the various aspects of their academics affected include their school attendance (59.6%), class participation (58.3%), taking tests (29.4%) and their grades (29.4%). In conclusion, the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea is quite high and it reportedly affects the school performance and attendance of female students. Therefore, it is being recommended that more attention should be devoted to providing health education on this topic to students.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Pagei
Certification page ii
Approval page iii
Dedicationiv
Acknowledgementv
Table of Contentsvi
List of Tablesvii
List of Figuresviii
List of Appendicesix
Abstract xii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study1
Statement of Problem5
Purpose of the Study 6
Objectives of the Study6
Significance of the study7
Research Questions7
Scope of Study7
Operational Definition of Terms8
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE OF REVIEW
Concept Primary Dysmenorrhea9
Etiology of Dysemorrhea10
Pathophysiology10
Measurement of Menstrual Cramps/Dysmenorrhea11
Factors that influence menstrual cramps11
Clinical Features of Dysmenorrhea 12
Diagnosis 13
Management 13
Prognosis of Menstrual cramps14
Theoretical Review 15
Empirical Review18
Summary of Literature Review24
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
Research Design 26
Area of Study26
Population of Study26
Sampling Size 27
Sampling Procedure 27
Instrument of Data Collection27
Validity of Instrument 27
Reliability of Instrument 28
Ethical Consideration28
Procedure of Data Collection28
Method of Data Analysis28
CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS OF DATA
Data Presentation 29
Summary of major findings37
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Discussion of major findings 39
Summary 42
Conclusion 43
Limitations of the Study 44
Recommendations 44
Implications for Nursing 45
Suggestion for further Studies45
References 47
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: calculation of Sample size
Appendix 2: Reliability
Appendix 3: Questionnaire
Appendix 4: Letter of Identification from the department
Appendix 5: Ethical Clearance
