Prevalence, clinical severity, and modifying factors of dysmenorrhoea among female students in a high-altitude continental climate
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.2.2026.763Keywords:
pain syndrome, menstrual cycle, academic performance, menarche, reproductive age, quality of lifeAbstract
Relevance: Dysmenorrhoea is a common gynecological condition in young women that impairs quality of life and academic performance. Environmental, climatic, and lifestyle factors can influence dysmenorrhoea severity.
This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and modifying factors of dysmenorrhoea among female students of Nakhchivan State University, taking into account the influence of a high-altitude, sharply continental climate.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire among 87 female students aged 17-25 years. Pain intensity was assessed using a verbal rating scale. The study was carried out at an altitude of 1000-1200 m above sea level, with temperatures ranging from -15°C to +40°C.
Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was extremely high (95.4%). Moderate pain was reported by 49.5% of participants, while severe symptoms occurred in 27.5%. Compared to lowland regions, the prevalence was higher by 4.3-15.7 percentage points, suggesting an altitudinal gradient. A direct association was found between pain severity and duration: in 66.7% of severe cases, pain lasted three or more days. Early menarche (<12 years) was observed in 54.2% of severe cases. Key modifying factors included chronic psycho-emotional stress (65%), tobacco smoke exposure (63.8%), persistent odontogenic infection (63.8%), and pro-inflammatory dietary patterns (69.9%). Severe dysmenorrhoea had substantial functional consequences: 95.8% of affected students missed classes, and all reported complete restriction of daily activities.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhoea among female students in Nakhchivan is characterized by high prevalence and severity, likely influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The findings highlight the multifactorial pathogenesis of the condition and suggest a possible role of high altitude and climate in its development. Comprehensive preventive strategies, including stress reduction, dietary improvements, and lifestyle modification, are necessary to improve students’ well-being and academic performance.
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