Soci̇ademographic factors affecting dysmenorrhea

SUMMARY Purpose and introduction: It is thought that there are various interactions between variables which have an effect on prevalence of dysmenorrhea. In this study, it has been aimed to investigate the effects of miscellaneous biological, sociodemographic factors on prevalence for dysmenorrhea among patients who applied to emergency service by complaining of menstrual cramp. Material and method: This study has been performed by fulfilling the pre-prepared dysmenorrhea data form to the female patients who applied to Emergency Department of Abant Izzet Baysal University Medicine Faculty between January 2012 and January 2014. Patient data was recorded and then assessed statistically. Findings: 215 cases who applied due to menstrual cramp were included to the study and mean age of patients was determined as 21.80±3.75. Mean age of menarch for these cases was 13,37±1,38 whereas mean age for the first dysmenorrhea attack was 14,68±3,47. There was a statistically significant relation between menarch age and first dysmenorrhea age (p<0,0001). While severity of pain was assessed, it was detected that pain was frequently severe (%45, 6) or moderate (%51,6). It was also determined that patients who had experienced the first dysmenorrhea attack under 12 years old, had mostly severe pain during their menstrual cycles (p<0,05). There was a statistically significant relation between severity of pain (mild-moderate-severe) and systemic disease (p=0,037). Besides, it was detected that there was a significant relation between severity of pain and sexual activity (p=0,001). Conclusion: It was determined there was a significant relation between menarch age and first dysmenorrhea age while patients who applied to emergency service by complaining of menstrual pain were assessed. It was also seen that patients who had experienced the first dysmenorrhea attack under 12 years old, had mostly severe pain during their menstrual cycles. Significant relation was also detected between severity of pain and existence of systemic disease and sexual activity