Abstract:

Background: Dysmenorrhea is among the major health problems that affect female adolescents in academic, social and sports activities. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea is high among secondary female students, and majority of them use hospital drugs for management of dysmenorrhea. Lack of sanitary pads in female students during menstruation affect their concentration at school, miss extracurricular activities and some miss school.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among female secondary school students in Misungwi district. Structured questionnaires were distributed among the students to obtain information. And the sample size was 300 students among four schools.

Results: Among 300 female students, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was (70%). Age of students, days of menstrual flow and family history of dysmenorrhea were significant associated with dysmenorrhea. (56.2%) reported loss in concentration at school, (11.4%) miss school and 32.4% no effect due to dysmenorrhea. (37.1%) use hospital drugs commonly paracetamol and diclofenac and other use herbal drugs, exercises in management of dysmenorrhea. (49%) used disposable pads, (14.7%) used Re usable and (36.3%) used both, (16%) miss school due to lack of sanitary pads.

Conclusion: School management and District educational officer should arrange program to counsel about proper management of dysmenorrhea. Also should initiate program of providing sanitary pads especially in rural areas to overcome the problem.