Self-Reported Dysmenorrhea Among Adolescent Girls in the Cape Coast Metropolis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dysmenorrhea is a common gynaecological condition among female adolescents and affects students' well-being in Ghana. This study assessed dysmenorrhea prevalence, effects, and coping mechanisms among adolescent girls in Junior High Schools in the Cape Coast metropolis.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls in three Junior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were employed to obtain data from 198 postmenarchal adolescents aged 10-19 years. The data were analysed via STATA 15.1. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to establish the strength of associations between all significant variables, and the results are reported as crude and adjusted odds ratios.

Most adolescents (75.6%, n = 149) experienced menarche between the ages of 12 and 13 years; the least common age at menarche was 9. The prevalence of self-reported dysmenorrhea was 86.9% (n = 172). Dysmenorrhea restricted adolescents from engaging in their normal physical activities (44.4%, n = 88) and led to poor concentration (39.4%, n = 78), social withdrawal (41.9%, n = 83), unnecessary irritation (42.9%, n = 85), decreased academic performance (15.2%, n = 30), and absenteeism (11.6%, n = 23). Adolescents who experienced early menarche had significantly lower odds of reporting severe dysmenorrhea compared to those with late menarche (AOR = 0.51, p = 0.02). Utilization of over-the-counter medications (26.8%, n = 53), ignoring pain (28.3%, n = 56), and resting (46.5%, n = 92) were the common coping mechanisms employed by adolescents.

Dysmenorrhea is very prevalent among adolescents in the Cape Coast municipality and adversely affects their social and academic lives. This highlights a significant gap in healthcare access and education, pointing to the need for better public health strategies.