Prevalence of use of medications for menstrual pain among female students in tertiary institutions in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background:

Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain) is one of the commonest gynecological complaints and when severe can interfere with normal activity and absence from school. It is common practice to seek ways to alleviate this pain.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the use of medications for managing dysmenorrhea among females in tertiary institutions in Aba.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 400 female students from four tertiary institutions in Aba; Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Abia State Polytechnic, Rhema University and Temple Gate Polytechnic. Research instruments were structured, self-administered and pretested questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Result:

Dysmenorrhea was reported in 288 (72%) participants with majority (53.8%) taking medications for the pain. The most commonly used medication reported was Paracetamol (35.5%) and information about the medications were mostly gotten from parents (35.5%). The medications used were easily purchased over the counter from patent medicine stores (69.3%) with or without a prescription from a doctor. Major effects of dysmenorrhea were interference with daily activities (80.7%) and inability to concentrate in class (79.1%). Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between the age of respondents and their method of management dysmenorrhea (p=0.009).

Conclusion:

Findings from this study indicate the need to educate females on how to properly manage menstrual problems.