Background Dysmenorrhea is one of the commonest gynecological condition that affects the physical, psychological and social status of majority female adolescents (23). Globally the prevalence of dysmenorrhea is found to be 50%-90% among women who are in their reproductive age (9). A study conducted in Tanzania indicated that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female adolescents was found to be 74.1 % (25). However, Dysmenorrhea is associated with negative impacts such as social withdrawal, school absenteeism3.This study assessed the prevalence and interventions of Dysmenorrhea among advanced level girls in selected secondary schools in Mwanza region.
Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted at two selected secondary schools in Mwanza region from September to November 2023.The study involved a total of 296 advanced level secondary school girls who were randomly selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS software.
Results: Prevalence of dysmenorrhea among advanced secondary school girls in Mwanza was found to be 67.4%. The main symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea were lower abdominal pain and fatigue with more than half (69.93%) and 73.3% respectively. Breast tenderness (19.8%) was the least symptom reported to be associated with menstruation. The main interventions involved physical exercises (83.6%) followed by massaging (79%) and medication use 34.3% to relieve pain.
Conclusion: Prevalence of dysmenorrhea is high among advanced secondary school girls in both Pamba and Mwanza secondary. Also interventions were use of medication, use of hot beverages, massaging and exercise.