Predisposing factors for adolescent dysmenorrhea in public high school students in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Background

Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is a menstrual symptom that often occurs in almost all women of reproductive age, especially in adolescents. Dysmenorrhea itself is the most commonly complained-of symptom of endometriosis in adolescents. There are many factors that influence the incidence of adolescent dysmenorrhea. This study aimed to analyze factors predisposing adolescents to dysmenorrhea.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 211 first-grade students at Sekolah Menengah Atas Negeri (SMA N) 1 Surakarta, selected through total sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dysmenorrhea incidence was the dependent variable, with independent variables including menarche age, body mass index (BMI), menstrual regularity, menstrual cycle length, menstrual duration, family history of dysmenorrhea, breastfeeding history, and cigarette exposure. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0, using Chi-Square for bivariate and logistic regression for multivariate analysis.

Result

The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among adolescents was 89.1%. A significant association was found between a family history of dysmenorrhea and dysmenorrhea incidence in adolescents (OR = 5.26; 95% CI = 1.92–14.45; p = 0.001). Prolonged menstrual cycles were also significantly associated with dysmenorrhea (OR = 3.15; 95% CI = 1.13–8.80; p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Family history of dysmenorrhea and prolonged menstrual cycles significantly increase the likelihood of dysmenorrhea in adolescents. These factors should be considered in managing adolescent dysmenorrhea, which can impact daily activities and quality of life.