Connection between dysmenorrhea and depression among a group of Turkish high school female students

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and also the connection between dysmenorrhea and depression among girl students.

Methodology: This study was conducted at both vocational high schools in a province in the west of Turkey from March 1st to April 30th 2010. The Beck Depression Scale (BDS) to determine the presence of depression, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used. In analysis of the data, Chi square and Student’s t test were used, with a p value lower than 0.05 being considered significant.

Results: The extent of dysmenorrhea was 71.5%. It was higher in those with menstrual irregularity, in those with positive family history of dysmenorrhea and in those consuming coffee (p < 0.05 in each case). The prevalence of depression was higher in girls experiencing dysmenorrhea compared to those without (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the severity of painful menstruation and mean BDS scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Educational programs need to be considered in terms of recommendation to reduce dysmenorrhea.