Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Participation in Academic Activities by Female Undergraduate Pharmacy Students in Nigerian Universities: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Assessment

Jennifer Chinaecherem Onyehalu¹, Abdulmuminu Isah¹*, Ezinwanne Jane Ugochukwu¹, Chukwuemeka Augustine Nwachuya¹, Chisom Victoria Aniefuna¹, Dickson Onyedikachi Ugwu¹,Uzochukwu Emmanuel Chima¹, Anthony Uche Umeh¹, Hadiza Usman Ma’aji², Maryam Jummai Imam³

1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, 410001, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
2. Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
3. Medical College of Wisconsin, 53226, USA

*Correspondence: Abdulmuminu Isah; E-mail: abdulmuminu.isah@unn.edu.ng

Abstract
Background
Dysmenorrhea is a gynecological condition with symptoms ranging from mild pain to severe pain. In students especially those enrolled in rigorous academic programs like pharmacy, the condition may disrupt their academic participation and performance. However, there have been limited evidence on how it impedes this population’s academic activities.
Objectives
To assess the impact of dysmenorrhea on participation in academic activities among pharmacy students in Nigerian universities.
Methods
This study was conducted using a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire-based design among pharmacy students in Nigeria universities. Cluster random sampling technique (one school of pharmacy per each of the six geopolitical zones) was employed in selecting the participating pharmacy schools. Descriptive analysis was done to summarize the data. Chi-square test was performed to identify the relationships between various study variables across the universities. Binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors of the impact of dysmenorrhea on the respondents’ participation in academic activities.
Results
Out of 1387 respondents, the majority [972(70.08%)] were aged 20-25 years. Almost all respondents [1311(90.52%)] were single. Most of them [975 (70.30%)] saw their menses for the first time at ages 12-15 years. Among the respondents, 1220(87.96%) reported experiencing dysmenorrhea (p=0.017). Of these, 669(54.84%) had their onset of pain on the first day of their menses (p=0.017). Moderate [587(48.11%)] and severe [432(35.41%)] pain were reported. The reported impacts of dysmenorrhea included decrease in physical activities [1151(94.34%)], decreased concentration during lectures [1079(88.44%)], decrease in studying time [1011(82.87%)], absence from classes [643(52.70%)], and poor examination performance [299(24.51%)]. Predictors of the impact of dysmenorrhea were age, institution, level of study and pain intensity.
Conclusion
The study revealed a high prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, characterized by predominantly moderate pain lasting 1-2 days. The impacts included decreased physical activities, reduced concentration in lectures, decreased study time, class absenteeism, and poor examination performance.

Keywords: Dysmenorrhea, Impact, Female pharmacy students