Factors Associated with Primary Dysmenorrhea Prevalence, Severity, and Self-Management Among Indonesian Adolescents: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common menstrual disorder that adversely affects adolescents daily activities and quality of life. However, evidence related to factors associated with its prevalence, severity, and self-management among Indonesian adolescents remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence, severity, and self-management of PD among female adolescents. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 464 female junior high school students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, and ordinal logistic regression. The prevalence of PD was 73.3%, with most participants experiencing moderate severity (63.2%). After adjustment for potential confounders, age at menarche <12 years, a family history of dysmenorrhea, and frequent fast food consumption were independently associated with PD prevalence. Abnormal menstrual cycles were also independently associated with lower odds of PD compared with normal menstrual cycles (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.34–0.99). Frequent dysmenorrhea, irregular eating patterns, and frequent fast food consumption were independently associated with greater PD severity. The frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea were independently associated with the number of self-management strategies used. Eucalyptus oil (28.7%) and turmeric–tamarind herbal drinks (28.4%) were the most commonly reported self-management methods. These results may inform the development of future health education and self-management programs targeting modifiable lifestyle factors.