Dysmenorrhea among students in Yaounde, Cameroon: associated factors and socio-cultural aspects

Jeanne Hortence Fouedjio; Florent Ymele Fouelifack; Jovanny Tsuala Fouogue; Lionel Etame; Loic Dongmo Fouelifa; Robinson Enow Mbu

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20193562

Authors

Jeanne Hortence Fouedjio Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Yaounde Central Hospital, Yaounde-Cameroon Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Yaounde, Yaounde-Cameroon
Florent Ymele Fouelifack Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Yaounde Central Hospital, Yaounde-Cameroon Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Nkolondom, Yaounde-Cameroon Associative Group for Research, Education and Health, Station-Falaise, Dschang Cameroon
Jovanny Tsuala Fouogue Gynaeco-Obstetric Unit, Bafoussam Regional Hospital, Bafoussam, Cameroon
Lionel Etame Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Nkolondom, Yaounde-Cameroon
Loic Dongmo Fouelifa School of Health Services of the Armies of Lome, Lome-Togo
Robinson Enow Mbu Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Yaounde Central Hospital, Yaounde-Cameroon Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Yaounde, Yaounde-Cameroon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20193562

Keywords:

Cameroon, Cultural, Dysmenorrhea, Epidemiology, Risk factors, Social, Students

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is very common disorder. It affects the quality of life and is the main cause of school absenteeism’s among teenagers. The goal of this study was to determine socio-cultural aspects of dysmenorrhea among students in Yaounde and factors associated with it.

Methods: Authors carried out a cross sectional analytic study in 2 secondary schools and a higher institute in Yaounde, from December 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 (7 months). Authors included all students aged at least 15, in form 5 and above. In the higher institute, sampling was consecutive, while it was stratified into 2 clusters in the secondary schools. Odds ratios were determined to assess association between variables and P-value ˂0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Of the 1059 participants, 800 had dysmenorrhea (prevalence: 75.5%). Mean age was 18.88±3.62 years (range: 15-45 years). Family history of dysmenorrhea (OR: 4.20 (95% CI: 3.02-5.83)) and stress ((OR: 2.16 (95% CI: 1.55 - 3.02)) were significantly associated with dysmenorrhea. A duration of menses ≤3 days was protective ((OR: 0.31 (95% CI: 0.12-0.82)). Dysmenorrhea remains a taboo for 23.6% of participants.

Conclusions: Family history of dysmenorrhea and stress are risk factors for dysmenorrhea which remains a taboo for almost a fourth of affected women. Authors recommend educating women about dysmenorrhea and control psycho-social stress.

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