Prevalence of Primary Dysmenorrhea and Its Associated Risk Factors among Adolescent Girls in Selected Schools of Lusaka District, Zambia

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological issue among young females. However, no studies in Zambia have examined the prevalence and associated factors of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents in selected schools in the Lusaka District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight randomly selected schools in Lusaka, including ۴۰۰ post-menarche girls aged ۱۰–۱۹ years. Participants were selected via random sampling, and data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire informed by literature. The tool included closed-ended and Likert scale questions, piloted for reliability (Cronbach's alpha: ۰.۸–۰.۹). Analysis was performed using STATA version ۱۴.۲, with variables having p < ۰.۰۵ in multivariate logistic regression considered statistically significant. Results: All ۴۰۰ participants responded (response rate: ۱۰۰%). The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was ۷۸% (۳۱۲/۴۰۰; ۹۵% CI: ۷۳.۶%–۸۲.۰%). Major risk factors included a positive family history (p < ۰.۰۰۱) and symptoms like breast tenderness (p = ۰.۰۰۸), diarrhea (p < ۰.۰۰۱), headache (p = ۰.۰۰۲), and nausea (p = ۰.۰۱۵). Menstrual cycles lasting ۳۱–۳۵ days (p = ۰.۰۳۴) and moderate menstrual flow (p = ۰.۰۱۱) were also significant. Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among adolescents in Lusaka. Determinants included family history, long cycles, moderate flow intensity, and menstrual discomfort.

کلیدواژه ها:

Prevalence ، Dysmenorrhea ، Adolescent ، Risk Factors ، Menstruation