Evaluation of Biological and Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Dysmenorrhea

Objective Dysmenorrhea is the most important cause of chronic pelvic pain in women. Sometimes, dysmenorrhea can be severe enough, leading women to present to emergency departments. The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting dysmenorrhea in female patients who presented to the emergency department of our hospital. Methods Female patients who presented to our emergency department with dysmenorrhea between January 2012 and January 2014 were included in the study. Patients' demographic and clinical data were filled in the Dysmenorrhea Data Form, which was designed by the researcher by screening the relevant literature. Patients' age, educational status, smoking status, age and regularity of menarche, sexual activity, and age of dysmenorrhea onset were recorded and analyzed. Results The mean age of the patients was 21.80 ± 3.75 years. There was a significant correlation between the type of dysmenorrhea and sexual activity (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between age at menarche and age of dysmenorrhea onset (p<0.001). Absenteeism was less common in patients with an age of dysmenorrhea onset of <12 years compared with the other age groups (p<0.05). Conclusions There was a significant correlation between age at menarche and age of dysmenorrhea onset. Data obtained in this study could be used in developing educational programs on dysmenorrhea for adolescents at the age of menarche.