Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Academic Performance and Daily Activities among Female Undergraduate Students in Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual disorder among young women and has been shown to negatively affect physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Among university students, menstrual pain may significantly interfere with academic engagement and daily activities. Objective: This study assessed the impact of dysmenorrhea on academic performance and daily activities among female undergraduate students in a Nigerian private university. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 female undergraduate students of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing experience of dysmenorrhea, its perceived impact on academic performance and daily activities, and selected socio-demographic variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables, and chi-square test was employed to examine the association between level of knowledge of dysmenorrhea and its academic impact at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: Among respondents who experienced dysmenorrhea, 84.8% reported absenteeism from lectures, 82.5% reported difficulty concentrating in class, and 79.0% perceived a negative impact on their academic performance. Sleep disturbance (76.4%), emotional distress (71.2%), and reduced participation in physical or social activities (68.9%) were also commonly reported. No statistically significant association was found between level of knowledge of dysmenorrhea and its impact on academic performance (p = 0.110). Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea significantly disrupts academic performance and daily functioning among female undergraduate students. Despite moderate knowledge levels, the academic burden of dysmenorrhea remains substantial. University policies that promote menstrual health support, academic flexibility, and accessible healthcare services are recommended.
Keywords
Dysmenorrhea, Academic Performance, Daily Activities, Female Undergraduates, Nigeria
Citations
IRE Journals:
Mayaki-Adeolu Felicia Foyeke "Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Academic Performance and Daily Activities among Female Undergraduate Students in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 8 2026 Page 578-580
IEEE:
Mayaki-Adeolu Felicia Foyeke
"Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Academic Performance and Daily Activities among Female Undergraduate Students in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(8)
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