Risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea and the effect of complementary and alternative treatment methods: Sample from Corum, Turkey

OBJECTIVE: Dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain that develops due to uterine menstrual contractions. When the literature is examined, there are a limited number of studies about the frequency of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), influencing factors, and complementary and alternative treatment methods (CAMs) in Turkey. In this study, the aim was to determine the risk factors for PD and the effect of CAM use on PD in female university students. METHODS: The sample for this descriptive study consisted of 180 female students who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were evaluated using SPSS v.21 and are presented as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation with Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis analyses performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of PD was found to be high in students (83.3%). When the distribution of students is examined according to risk factors affecting dysmenorrhea, the relationships between the history of early menstruation, history of menorrhagia, family history of dysmenorrhea, and the occurrence of dysmenorrhea were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, the relationships between smoking, regular consumption of caffeinated beverages, regular physical activity, and emotional problems with the prevalence of dysmenorrhea were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean VAS score of the students was 5.99 ± 2.06. When the distribution of VAS mean scores according to CAM used by the students is examined, the most effective CAM in reducing PD was mind–body techniques (4.20±1.56) (P < 0.05). According to the students’ VAS score averages, the most effective mind–body techniques used to reduce PD were applying heat to the abdomen (4.33 ± 1.98) and taking a hot shower (4.61 ± 2.13); the most effective nutritional supplement and healthy lifestyle behavior was omega 3 supplementation (4.20 ± 1.56); and the most effective herbal drink was ginger (4.88 ± 1.61) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for PD included early menarche, menorrhagia, family history of PD, smoking, regular consumption of caffeinated beverages, and emotional problems. The most effective methods to reduce pain in PD were applying heat to the abdomen, taking a hot shower, omega 3 supplements, and ginger.