International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 1 (January-February 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of February to publish your research paper in the issue of January-February.

Dysmenorrhoea among Adolescent Girls in Rural Areas: Prevalence, Impact and Management

Author(s) Dr. Pradnya Sevakdas Ghodake, Dr. Sadhana Mahendra Kolhe, Dr. Punam Suraj Dhage, Dr. Shyam Dadasaheb Dholi
Country India
Abstract Background: Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) is one of the most common gynaecological problems in adolescence and a leading cause of school absenteeism worldwide. Studies from low- and middle-income countries report prevalence rates between 50–80% in school-going girls with significant impact on daily activities and quality of life.
Objectives:
1. To estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea among adolescent girls in a rural area.
2. To assess its impact on school attendance and daily activities.
3. To identify selected associated factors and common management practices.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among adolescent girls aged 10–19 years schooling in rural villages of Sangamner tehsil of Ahilyanagar Distric in Maharashtra, India. A sample of 300 girls who had attained menarche was selected by multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire on socio-demographic details, menstrual history, dysmenorrhoea characteristics, impact and management practices. Pain intensity was measured using a 0–10 numeric rating scale and graded as mild (1–3), moderate (4–6) and severe (7–10). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test; p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 74.3%. Most girls reported pain starting on the first day of menstruation (68%) and lasting 1–2 days (54%). Severe pain was reported by 21% of girls with dysmenorrhoea. Among those with pain, 46% reported school absenteeism at least once in the last three cycles and 58% reported reduced concentration in class. Early menarche (<12 years), longer duration of flow (>5 days), and positive family history of dysmenorrhoea were significantly associated with presence of dysmenorrhoea (p<0.05). The most common management methods were rest (72%), hot fomentation (38%) and over-the-counter analgesics (29%); only 17% had ever consulted a health professional.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhoea is highly prevalent among adolescent girls in rural areas and substantially affects academic performance and daily activities. School-based and community-based health education, promotion of evidence-based self-care practices, and timely medical evaluation of severe or atypical pain are urgently required.
Keywords Dysmenorrhoea, adolescent girls, rural area, menstrual health, school absenteeism
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-01-01
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.65469
Short DOI https://doi.org/hbhrck

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