Frequency of dysmenorrhea and the effect of dysmenorrhea on quality of life

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of dysmenorrhea and the effect of dysmenorrhea on quality of life in women. Material and method: This study was carried out cross-sectionally in Family Health Center No: 4, 6 and 7 in Adıyaman city center. The population of the study consisted of all women between 20-34 years of age living in Adıyaman city center. The sample of the study consisted of 614 women living in Family Health Centers 4, 6 and 7 selected by cluster sampling method. The data were evaluated by the Questionnaire Form, Quality of Life Scale Short Form (SF-36) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Descriptive statistical methods, ANOVA and t test in independent groups were used for data analysis. Statistical significance level was accepted as p <0.05. Results:. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 76.5% in the women who participated in the study. It was found that 79.3% of women had regular menstrual period, 73.8% had menstrual period between 1-6 days, 45.6% had occasional pain during menstruation and 36.2% had moderate pain. It was determined that the mean score of physical domain was 52.14 ± 13.73 in women with dysmenorrhea and the mean score of mental domain was 58.37 ± 17.03. It was determined that the mean score of physical domain was 61.07 ± 15.21 in women without dysmenorrhea and the mean score was 71.41 ± 18.21 in mental domain. Significant differences were found between the duration of menstrual period, frequency of dysmenorrhea, severity of pain and duration of pain and physical and mental quality of life. Conclusion: The quality of life of women with dysmenorrhea was lower than women without dysmenorrhea. Quality of life is reduced in women who have menstruations for longer periods and experience more frequent dysmenorrhea and experience more severe pain. In line with these results, dysmenorrhea is a common health problem that adversely affects the quality of life in women. Keywords:Dysmenorrhea, SF-36, Paın, Quality of life