Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Academic Performance and Quality of Life of Female Undergraduate Students
Priscilla Nkechinyere Nwofor *
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Tina Oluchi Emeagha
Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Nigeria.
Kennis Uchechukwu Uzonwanne
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is one of the most common gynaecological problems among young women, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and mood changes. It has been shown to affect academic performance and quality of life, particularly among undergraduate students who are in a critical phase of intellectual and social development.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dysmenorrhea on the academic performance and quality of life of female undergraduate students.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 female undergraduates from the University of Port Harcourt, using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual patterns, the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea, academic disruptions, quality of life indicators, and coping strategies. The data were analyzed using the International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 23), with results presented in frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square values.
Results: The findings showed that the majority of students had normal menstrual cycles, with 77% reporting dysmenorrhea. Pain was often accompanied by headaches (18.5%) and other systemic symptoms. Dysmenorrhea caused lecture absenteeism in 57% of respondents, with 35.5% missing classes 3–5 times per semester. More than half (54%) reported falling asleep during lectures, while 44% experienced loss of concentration. Academic performance was significantly affected, with 81.5% reporting that dysmenorrhea impaired their test and examination performance, and 54.5% indicating that they experienced poor preparation during assessments. In terms of quality of life, 44% of respondents reported interference with daily activities, 44.5% with social activities, 29% with emotional stability, and 60% with sleep. Coping strategies included the use of painkillers (28.5%), self-medication (52.5%), and avoidance of medical consultation (71.5%), with many reporting only moderate relief.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among female undergraduates and significantly impairs academic performance and quality of life. The reliance on self-medication and low health-seeking behaviour highlights the need for increased awareness, health education, and accessible support services to improve menstrual health management among students.
Keywords: Dysmenorrhea, academic performance, quality of life, female undergraduates, menstrual health