PREVALENCE OF DYSMENORRHEA IN STUDENTS OF NURSING SCHOOL: DYSMENORRHEA IN STUDENTS OF NURSING SCHOOL

Objectives: The altered working module and lifestyle make nurses at high risk of dysmenorrhoea while working with patients. The study objectives were to: (1) describe the demographic and menstruation characteristics of dysmenorrhoea, assess their dysmenorrheic pain severity and menstrual attitudes towards menstruation among dysmenorrhoeal and non- dysmenorrhoeal hospital nurses; (2) identify significant differences between the groups; and (3) examine factors influencing dysmenorrhoea. Methods: This cross-sectional survey used a structured questionnaire, administered at Nurses School and centre of   TNMC and B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, Mumbai, India. Participants included nurses from 18 to 25 years of age who agreed to participate. All participants were recruited through convenience sampling. The questionnaire included demographic data, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Menstrual Attitude Questionaire (MAQ). Results: A total of 150 nurses completed the questionnaire. Among them, 106 (71%) had experienced dysmenorrhoea in the past 6 months and 44 (29%) had not. Significant differences in age of menarche (P=0.0248), the experience of dysmenorrhea (P= <0.0001), prior doctor visit for dysmenorrhea (P= 0.0002) , and rotating three-shift ratio (P=0.0154) were identified between the dysmenorrhoea and non-dysmenorrhoea groups. Analysis of the MAS results revealed significant differences between the groups regarding consideration of menstruation as a debilitating (P=0.0069), bothersome event (P=0.0463), menstruation as the natural event (P<0.0001), and denial of any effects from menstruation (P=0.0073). Analysis of the VAS results revealed significant differences between the groups (P<0.0001). 2350 (corrected for ties) and linear regression analysis Correlation coefficient (r) = - 0.2609. Conclusion : These findings could help nurses to create a caring and friendly work environment  along with treatment protocol for their efficient functioning in hospitals who are at risk of dysmenorrhoea. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3753675