ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AND DEPRESSION LEVEL AMONG STUDENTS

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a highly prevalent health related problem because of its effects on different aspects of physical and mental health. Objectives: To find association of primary dysmenorrhea with depression. Methodology: A correlational study was conducted at Royal group of colleges Gujranwala, Pakistan. Ninety-nine female students with confirmed diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea were included with age range between 16-25 years. The data was collected through non-probability convenience sampling technique. The data was collected using numeric pain rating scale, daily record of severity of problems (DRSP) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression. Linear regression and chi square test have been used to observe association between variables. Results: The mean age was 21.06+2.59 years, age at menarche 13.15+1.03 years. The results showed significant association among pain, depression and severity of symptoms associated with primary dysmenorhhea (p≤0.00). Conclusion: The intensity of pain and associated symptoms was moderate in majority of subjects. There is positive association of pain and symptoms of dysmenorrhea with depression level. Increasing depression can cause difficulty in work, getting along with others and take care of other things.