Risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea and the effect of complementary and alternative treatment methods: Sample from Corum, Turkey.
Nuriye Büyükkayacı Duman, Fatma Yıldırım, Gülşen Vural
Abstract
Objective: Dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain that develops due to uterine menstrual contractions. When the literature is examined, there are a limited number of studies about the frequency of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), influencing factors, and complementary and alternative treatment methods (CAMs) in Turkey. In this study, the aim was to determine the risk factors for PD and the effect of CAM use on PD in female university students. Methods: The sample for this descriptive study consisted of 180 female students who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were evaluated using SPSS v.21 and are presented as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation with Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis analyses performed. Results: < 0.05). Conclusion: Risk factors for PD included early menarche, menorrhagia, family history of PD, smoking, regular consumption of caffeinated beverages, and emotional problems. The most effective methods to reduce pain in PD were applying heat to the abdomen, taking a hot shower, omega 3 supplements, and ginger.