Sedentary Time, Menstrual Cycle Characteristics, and Pain Intensity Among Female Undergraduates with Primary Dysmenorrhea
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1102-05-281Keywords:
Exercise, Menarche, Menstrual pain, Menstrual flow, Physical inactivity, Female undergraduatesAbstract
Background: Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD) and its associated menstrual cycle characteristics affect the quality of life and social activities of women and it is also reported to be worsened by sedentary behaviour.
Objective: To examine the relationship between sedentary time (ST), menstrual cycle characteristics, and pain intensity among female undergraduates in a Nigerian university with PD.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 female undergraduates. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Long Form sitting item, a self-developed questionnaire, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale were used to collect information on ST, menstrual cycle characteristics, and pain intensity during menstruation, respectively.
Results: The mean pain intensity of respondents during menstruation was 6.13±2.23 while the average weekday and weekend day ST was 4.5±1.03 hours and 7.75±1.83 hours. Significant correlation was found between pain intensity and menarche (r = -0.11, p = 0.04), perceived volume of menstrual flow (r = -0.18, p = 0.001) and duration of pain (p = 0.32, p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that early menarche (β = -0.14, p = 0.02), heavy menstrual flow (β = 0.55, p = 0.03), and with pain duration lasting for more than 24 hours (β = -1.36, p = 0.001) are more likely to experience increased intensity of pain.
Conclusion: Menarche, perceived volume of menstrual flow and duration of pain are significant contributing factors to the pain intensity among females with PD.
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