Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhoea among Omani High School Students
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2011, Vol 11, Issue 4
Abstract
Objectives: Te objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea in Omani high schoolgirls, its impact and the treatment used. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in May 2010 on 404 girls from two public high schools in the Muscat region. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire including information on demographics, prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, severity, its impact, and the treatment used. Results: Overall, 94% (n = 380) of the participants had dysmenorrhoea. It was mild in 27% (n = 104), moderate in 41% (n = 155), and severe in 32% (n = 121). Dysmenorrhoea was the cause of limited sports activities in 81%, decreased class concentration in 75%, restricted homework in 59%, school absenteeism in 45%, limited social activities in 25%, and decreased academic performance in 8% of the affected students. Only 3% (n = 10) had consulted a physician; 21% (n = 80) self-medicated, and 55% (n = 210) took no action. Te commonest drugs used were paracetamol (n = 60, 16%), ibuprofen (n = 29, 8%) and mefenemic acid (n = 12, 3%). Tere was no statistically signifcant correlation between dysmenorrhoea, demographics and menstrual characteristics. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhoea is a prevalent and yet undertreated menstrual disorder among Omani adolescent schoolgirls. Te pain suffered can be severe and disabling. Doctors should therefore be prepared to discuss this more freely with schoolgirls. In addition, there is a need for education regarding dysmenorrhoea and treatment options to minimise the impact on school, sports, social and daily activities.
Authors and Affiliations
Rahma Al-Kindi| Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Anbarin Al-Bulushi| Al Khoud Health Center, Ministry of Health, Oman
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP14118
- DOI -
- Views 352
- Downloads 7
In the Era of Social Media: Is it time to establish a code of online ethical conduct for healthcare professionals?
Social media is becoming an invasive part of the lives of many professionals including those in the healthcare field. One of the countless implications of such an invasion is how the healthcare professional’s engagement...
Bilateral Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy in a Child on Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis Case report and literature review
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a serious complication of continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) which can lead to poor vision and blindness. We report a fve-year-old girl who had undergone a...
Primary Cutaneous Carcinosarcoma A cutaneous neoplasm with an exceptional presentation
Photograph of an excrescent ulcerated tumour on the upper forehead of an 85-year-old woman.
Giant Prostatic Hyperplasia Fourth largest prostate reported in medical literature
A giant prostatic hyperplasia (GPH) weighing more than 700 g is a rare entity. It is believed that only eight such cases have been previously reported in the medical literature. Tis case report concerns a patient with a...
UN Millennium Development Goals and Oman Kudos to Oman on its 40th National Day