Dysmenorrhea in a multiethnic population of adolescent Asian girls
Received 28 July 2009; received in revised form 2 September 2009; accepted 14 October 2009. published online 30 November 2009.
Abstract
Objective
To determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its impact, and the treatment-seeking behavior of adolescent Asian girls.
Method
A cross-sectional study with 1092 girls from 15 public secondary schools and 3 ethnic groups in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Results
Overall, 74.5% of the girls who had reached menarche had dysmenorrhea; 51.7% of these girls reported that it affected their concentration in class; 50.2% that it restricted their social activities; 21.5% that it caused them to miss school; and 12.0% that it caused poor school performance. Ethnicity and form at school were significantly associated with the poor concentration, absenteeism, and restriction of social and recreational activities attributed to dysmenorrhea. Only 12.0% had consulted a physician, and 53.3% did nothing about their conditions. There were ethnic differences in the prevalence, impact, and management of dysmenorrhea.
Conclusion
There is a need for culture-specific education regarding menstruation-related conditions in the school curriculum.
aMedical Education and Research Development Unit, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
bDepartment of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Corresponding author. Medical Education and Research Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel.: +60 3 79675738; fax: +60 3 79675769.
ABSTRACT