Coping Strategies for Dysmenorrhea among Female Undergraduate Students in Southwest Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent menstrual disorder among young women and represents a significant source of physical discomfort and functional limitation. University students often adopt various coping strategies to manage menstrual pain, ranging from pharmacological to non-pharmacological approaches. Understanding these strategies is essential for designing effective menstrual health interventions. Objective: This study assessed the coping strategies employed by female undergraduate students for the management of dysmenorrhea in a private university in Southwest Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 female undergraduate students of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire that assessed experience of dysmenorrhea and coping strategies used during menstruation. Coping strategies were categorized into pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Among respondents who experienced dysmenorrhea, the most commonly reported coping strategies were physical activity or exercise (84.8%), heat therapy (73.2%), and use of herbal remedies (72.8%). Pharmacological methods such as the use of over-the-counter analgesics were reported by 61.4% of respondents. Bed rest (69.1%) and relaxation techniques (66.3%) were also frequently utilized. The majority of respondents reported using a combination of coping strategies rather than a single method. Conclusion: Female undergraduate students employ diverse coping strategies to manage dysmenorrhea, with a preference for non-pharmacological approaches. While these methods may provide relief, reliance on self-care and informal remedies underscores the need for structured menstrual health education and access to professional healthcare support within university settings.
Keywords
Dysmenorrhea, Coping Strategies, Menstrual Pain, Female Undergraduates, Nigeria
Citations
IRE Journals:
Mayaki-Adeolu Felicia Foyeke "Coping Strategies for Dysmenorrhea among Female Undergraduate Students in Southwest Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 9 2026 Page 1-3
IEEE:
Mayaki-Adeolu Felicia Foyeke
"Coping Strategies for Dysmenorrhea among Female Undergraduate Students in Southwest Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(9)
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