Primary Dysmenorrhea and Risk Factors among Female Students in Yogyakarta: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and its associated factors among female students in
Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female university students in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, in
2021. A total of 385 participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through an online
structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire incorporated the International Physical Activity
Questionnaire (IPAQ) along with researcher-developed items that had been validated and tested for reliability before use.
Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses, with the chi-square test applied at a significance level of 5% (p <
0.05). Variables with significant associations were subsequently included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results: Severe primary dysmenorrhea was the most prevalent category, affecting 44.2% of respondents. A maternal history of
dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with both mild (AOR = 0.450; 95% CI: 0.249–0.813; p = 0.008) and severe primary
dysmenorrhea (AOR = 2.425; 95% CI: 0.774–2.292; p < 0.001).* Among treatment-related factors, healthy food consumption
showed the strongest association with mild primary dysmenorrhea (AOR = 0.570; 95% CI: 0.392–0.830; p = 0.003), whereas
medication use was most strongly associated with severe primary dysmenorrhea (AOR = 2.645; 95% CI: 1.624–4.308; p <
0.001).

Conclusion: Severe primary dysmenorrhea was the most common presentation among female students. A maternal history of
dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with both mild and severe primary dysmenorrhea. Healthy food consumption and
medication use were the treatment-related factors most strongly associated with mild and severe dysmenorrhea, respectively.
Strengthening collaboration among mothers, adolescents, and healthcare providers may improve the management of primary
dysmenorrhea.

Keywords: associated factors, female students, primary dysmenorrhea, reproductive health