DYSMENORRHOEA EXPERIENCES AND SELF MANAGEMENT PATTERNS AMONG THE FEMALE STUDENTS OF THE POLYTECHNIC, IBADAN.

Abstract

Dysmenorrhoea is a common gynaecologic complaint among adolescents and young adult females. Depending on its duration and severity, it has negative impacts on normal daily activities and quality of life of women. The manner in which females attempt to manage the problem is of less concern in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated dysmenorrhoea experiences and various management options employed by female students accommodated in female halls of residence at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 354 consenting female students aged 16-27 years who were residents of the two female halls of residence at the polytechnic. A three-stage sampling technique which involved proportionate selection of students from each hall, random selection of rooms from each hall and random selection of the final respondents. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used in assessing knowledge, perception, dysmenorrhoea experiences, effects of dysmenorrhoea on daily activities and self-management patterns. Knowledge was assessed on a11-point scale and scores ≥6 were categorised as good. Perception was also assessed on a 13-point scale and scores ≥7 were categorised as positive perception. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test at p=0.05 level of significance. Respondents’ age was 20.4±2.4 years, 40.7% were in National Diploma (ND) 2, 97.7% were singles, 85.6% were Yoruba and 74.9% were Christians. Only 22.0% correctly stated the two types of dysmenorrhoea, 1.2% correctly identified excess level of prostaglandin as the major cause of dysmenorrhoea while 69.2% reported sugary intake as the cause. Some, (16.9%) correctly recognized family history, age of menarche (8.5%), and excessive sugar intake (87.6%) as factors that could make one experience dysmenorrhoea. Avoidance of excessive sugar intake (56.7%), use of drugs (35.1%), exercise (21.2%), and consulting medical professionals (4.5%) were stated as ways of preventing dysmenorrhoea. A larger proportion (67.2%) believed dysmenorrhoea is normal, while 10.2% believed it is hereditary. Majority (75.1%) agreed that dysmenorrhoea is a serious concern for young women. Many, (56.2%) menstruated for more than 4 days while 41.8% had theirs for 3 days. Some, (48.0%) experienced pain mostly at the onset of menstruation while (23.4%) experienced it before the flow. Nature of pain experienced by the respondents varied from mild (10.2%), moderate (44.4%) and severe (30.2%), with majority (91.2%) experiencing pain in the lower abdomen. Effects of dysmenorrhoea reported include strained relationship with friends (50.3%),

missing school (50.6%), mood swing (59.0%) and lack of concentration in class (61.6%). Majority, (87%) used drugs which are often associated with side effects. Few (6.8%) consulted family members, health practitioners (6.8%), religious centres (7.9%) and tradomedical centres (9.6%). The result showed that there is an association between nature of pain and self-management pattern. Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge about the types and the major cause of dysmenorrhoea. Most of them practice pharmacological management than nonpharmacological methods and most of the drugs were not prescribed by a qualified medical personnel. There is therefore a need for health education programmes on the adverse effects of the drugs being used while multidisciplinary management approaches such as exercise, rest, and warm baths should be encouraged.