Examination of factors affecting menstrual pain severity

Gamze Nalan, C. Examination of Factors Affecting Menstrual Pain Severity. Hacettepe University, Institute of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program, Master Thesis, Ankara, 2018. This study was planned to investigate the factors affecting the severity of menstrual pain. Three hundred and thirty six women with a mean age 22  3 years and aged 18 years and over who were literate, cooperated in completing the assessment scales, and complaining of menstrual pain in the majority of menstrual cycles were participated in this study. Individuals' menstrual pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale, and individuals were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of menstrual pain. Subjects marking between 0-3 cm, 3.1-7 cm and 7.1-10 cm were classified as "mild pain" (Group 1, n = 64), "moderate pain" (Group 2, n = 134), and "severe pain group" (Group 3, n = 138), respectively. Demographic, physical and menstrual characteristics and detailed medical histories of the individuals were recorded. Individuals' menstrual symptoms, health related quality of life, physical activity levels, psychological status and anxiety level were assessed with "Menstruation Symptom Scale", "Nottingham Health Profile", "International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form", "Beck Depression Inventory" and "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory", respectively. There was no difference in the physical and demographic characteristics of the individuals among 3 groups according to menstrual pain severity (p>0.05). Menstrual symptom scores, quality of life scores and menstrual characteristics were significantly different (p <0.05), and there were no significant differences in state and trait anxiety levels, depression levels and physical activity levels (p> 0.05). When the risk factors affecting menstrual pain were examined, it was seen that menstrual symptoms and body mass index values had effect on pain severity. Key words: Menstrual pain, dysmenorrhea, quality of life, anxiety level, physical activity level.