Dysmenorrhea and depressive symptoms among female university students: a descriptive study from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundDysmenorrhea has significantly increased in prevalence. There is also evidence of the coexistence of dysmenorrhea and psychological disorders. This study aims to explore the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and investigate its correlation with depressive symptoms among Princess Nourah bint Abdul...

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Published in:The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, 2022-09, Vol.58 (1), p.106-106
Main Authors: Alateeq, Deemah, Binsuwaidan, Lolwah, Alazwari, Leenah, Algarni, Maram, Al Hussain, Maryam, Alzahrani, Raghad, Aljohani, Reema
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Female students
Menarche
Menstrual cycle
Menstruation
Mental depression
Pain
Questionnaires
Students
University students
Womens health
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Summary:BackgroundDysmenorrhea has significantly increased in prevalence. There is also evidence of the coexistence of dysmenorrhea and psychological disorders. This study aims to explore the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and investigate its correlation with depressive symptoms among Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) students. All participants (N = 487) in this cross-sectional study provided sociodemographic data, menstrual and medical history, and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale and (working ability, location, intensity, days of pain, dysmenorrhea [WaLIDD]) scale on a self-administered online questionnaire.ResultsThe mean age of the females was 20.64 ± 2.38 years, and 40.7% were from health colleges. Severe dysmenorrhea requiring medical attention and pain killers or herbs was reported by 30.8% of the students. Significant predictors of severe dysmenorrhea were: younger age, earlier menarche, pain killers and herbs used for menstrual pain, a doctor visit for menstrual pain, and depression. In addition, significant protective factors of depression were: later menarche age, having a regular menstrual cycle, and longer duration. ConclusionsStudents with severe dysmenorrhea have a higher risk of depression than other students. The findings stress the importance of awareness, education, a multidisciplinary approach to women's health, and early detection to prevent future complications.
ISSN:1110-1083
1687-8329
DOI:10.1186/s41983-022-00542-1