Prevalence and patterns of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome among Egyptian girls (12–25 years)

Objectives: Most girls experience pain and other discomforting symptoms during their menstrual periods. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence, and patterns of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) amongst girls in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Study design: Population-based, cross sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted on 4122 girls (12–25 years) representing Beni-Suef City. A structured questionnaire was used and a team of data collectors interviewed the girls. Results: High rates of dysmenorrhea (92%) and PMS (86.3%) among girls. A solid association between dysmenorrhea and PMS was detected. While gynaecological age was the only risk factor for dysmenorrhea, gynaecological age, marriage, educational level and sleeping hours were determinants for PMS (p <.05). Backaches, generalized aching and nervousness were the most commonly reported symptoms 63.3%, 62.4% and 43.5%, respectively. More than half of girls who experienced dysmenorrhea reported drinking herbal fluids and taking analgesics to alleviate their symptoms. Girls resorted mostly to family members to get information about menstruation. Conclusion and recommendations: Dysmenorrhea and PMS are highly prevalent among girls in Beni-Suef. Many risk factors have been suggested to be linked with dysmenorrhea and PMS. Health awareness programs should be encouraged to improve girls' knowledge regarding menstrual disorders. Further research should focus on the adaptive techniques used by girls to avoid the negative consequences of menstrual disorders.