Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and associated factors in adult women
Luana Brito dos Santos, Isabelle Ribeiro Barbosa, Thaissa Hamana de Macedo Dantas, Camilla Medeiros Araújo, Jardelina Hermecina Dantas, Caroline Wanderley Souto Ferreira, Saionara Maria Aires da Câmara, Diego de Sousa Dantas
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea in a sample of adult women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with women aged between 19 and 49 years from a city of northeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic, gynecological, and obstetric variables were assessed by questionnaires and interviews. Dysmenorrhea was measured by self-report, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale measured the intensity of pain. Statistical analyses included χ2 test, ANOVA, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The average age was 33.2±9.1 years and the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 56% for the whole sample. The average duration of symptoms was 2.7±1.8 days and the mean intensity was 6.1±2.6. The previous cesarean section was associated with a higher rate of primary dysmenorrhea (PR=2.33; 95%CI 1.11-4.90) when considering the whole sample. Women who aged 25-39 years and are insufficiently active had higher rates of primary dysmenorrhea (PR=5.24; 95%CI 1.08-27.31). CONCLUSION: Primary dysmenorrhea has a high prevalence in young adults, adults, and middle-aged women. Cesarean section and being physically inactive was associated with increased rates of dysmenorrhea among adult women.