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

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