ABSTRACT
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a widespread gynecological disorder manifests by excruciating menstrual cramps without any pelvic pathology. It impacts a considerable percentage of women, particularly those in younger age groups. Despite its high prevalence, PD often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated due to societal taboos and the notion that period pain is an everyday phenomenon. The study examines the prevalence and risk factors of primary dysmenorrhea among female undergraduates in a tertiary educational institution in Edo State. A non-experimental descriptive survey design was used, and participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection that was a self-structured questionnaire. The study found that 92.6% of respondents experienced menstrual pain, with 50.2% reporting that they started experiencing it at menarche. The majority of respondents experienced menstrual pain 1-2 days before menstruation (77.5%) and reported heavy menstrual flow (18.6%). (69.5%) had a good level of knowledge about primary dysmenorrhea. Early menarche, family history of dysmenorrhea, long menstrual periods, heavy menstrual flow, low or high body mass index, tobacco and alcohol use, and emotional problems were perceived risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea. The majority of female undergraduates reported experiencing primary dysmenorrhea at a moderate level (45%). The study discovered a substantial correlation between the frequency of primary dysmenorrhea and the age at menarche (p = 0.012). In conclusion, the study reveals a pressing issue: a high prevalence rate of a significant health concern impacting young women's daily lives and academic performance. The researcher therefore recommends that Healthcare providers, particularly those working in school or university health services, should develop and offer pain management programs. These programs could include training on non-pharmacological pain relief methods, such as heat therapy, yoga, and relaxation techniques, alongside medical management options
Keyword: Primary dymenorrhea, Prevalence, Risk factors, female undergraduate
