Publication:

The impact of dysmenorrhea on quality of life among health care nursing staff in Abha maternity and children hospital in the year 2022

Background Dysmenorrhea is a common health problem among women of childbearing age. It is given low priority in most parts of the world, including Saudi Arabia. Therefore, attention is needed for better prevention and management practices, and thus to improve the quality of life. This study aims to explore the impact of dysmenorrhea on the quality of life among nursing staff in Abha Maternity and Children Hospital.

Methods Cross-sectional study that included 209 nurses who are in childbearing age. The questionnaire contained information about sociodemographic factors, menstrual characteristics, presence or absence of dysmenorrhea, presence or absence of other menstruation- related symptoms, and questions to assess the impact of dysmenorrhea on their quality of life.

Results 79.9% of the participants reported having moderate to severe dysmenorrhea. Regarding the other menstruation-related symptoms, more than 90% of the participants reported having abdominal pain or discomfort (95.2%), fluctuation of mood (95.2%), anger (93.3%), back pain (91.9%), and fatigue (90.9%). In addition, significant associations were found between dysmenorrhea and the following quality of life variables: wanting to cry and to be alone during menstruation; menstrual problems that affects relationship with friends, performance at work, and daily activities.

Conclusions The prevalence of dysmenorrhea is high among the nursing staff in Abha Maternity and Children Hospital. Its impact on quality of life is pronounced especially on the attendance and performance at work. Adverse health problems of menstrual disturbances represent a significant occupational health challenge among the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia.