Dysmenorrhoea among students aged 18–45 years attending University in Uganda: A cross‐sectional multicenter study of three Universities in Uganda

AIM: Dysmenorrhoea presents as pain associated with menstruation. It is often an issue discussed privately, yet it continues to affect girls and women with grave impact on their education, social activities and work. This study sought to assess the factors associated with dysmenorrhoea among female students aged 18–45 years in three selected universities in Kampala Capital city, Uganda. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was a cross‐sectional study conducted among 351 female students of three Universities in Kampala, Uganda. Purposive sampling methods were used. A self‐administered questionnaire was used for data collection, a 95% confidence interval was considered and analysis was done using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Respondents (N = 351) fully completed the study out of 383 invited participants. The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 75.8%. Associated factors included having children (p < 0.05), daily consumption of sugary foods (p < 0.05) and family history of dysmenorrhoea (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: As nursing professionals, we believe comfort is a fundamental determinant of health. Therefore, evidence suggesting a high prevalence of dysmenorrhoea as revealed in this study is concerning. We recommend schools to have school clinics and school nurses who could help students during such days of discomfort. Further studies assessing the casual relationships of various correlates to dysmenorrhoea and the impact of dysmenorrhoea specifically on academic life of the students should be conducted.