Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea and Associated Factors Among High School Female Students In Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Background:Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the common gynecological complaints that is under diagnosed and under treated among high school female students.There is a wide variation in the estimate of primary dysmenorrhea, which ranges from 50% to 95%,and the disorder is the most common cause of work and school absenteeism in high school females. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of primary dysmenorrhea among high school female students in Dire Dawa Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A Institution-based cross sectional study design was conducted.Systematic random sampling was employed to select 540 students from Janaury to November, 2022. A multistage stratified sampling technique was employed to select the study units. Structured and pretested self-administered questionnaires were used and weight and height measurements were conducted. The severity of dysmenorrheal pain was assessed by using a verbal multidimensional scoring system. The data were double entered in Epi Info version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were performed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were computed, and in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p value of less than 0.05 was used to identify the associated factors with occurrence of dysmenorrhea. Result: A total of 496 students participated in this study. The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 417 (84.1%).Of these, 122(24.6%) had mild, 98(19.8%) moderate, and 197(39.7%) severe primary dysmenorrheal pain. Among students with primary dysmenorrhea 200 (40.3%) reported school absence. Based on multivariate logistic xii regression, primary dysmenorrhea was statistically significant with age , age at menarche (AOR=3.513; 95% CI (1.71-7.23), Occurrence of pain (AOR = 2.33 (1.054 5.158), physical activity AOR= 2.361; 95% CI (1.13-4.94) and Absenteeism from school AOR = 0.03; 95% CI (0.01-0.130). Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is more prevalent among secondary school female students in Dire Dawa Administration. It has a significant negative impact on students" daily activities.Thus it needs attention.There are various identified associated risk factors and considering them in the management of the disorder is fundamental. It is also wise to recommend future studies to better identify risk factors for dysmenorrhea and lighten its effect on students" academic performance at a larger scale in the region.