Global Experiences of College Aged Women with Dysmenorrhea: Literature Review
Faculty Mentor
Julie Elting
Major/Area of Research
Nursing; Women's Health
Description
INTRODUCTION: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition affecting approximately 50–90% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by painful menstrual cramps and may include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, and diarrhea. Despite its prevalence, dysmenorrhea remains an under-addressed health concern. Cultural beliefs and societal attitudes often normalize menstrual pain, which can discourage women from seeking care. Among college-aged women, dysmenorrhea can significantly affect academic performance, attendance, and overall quality of life.
METHOD: This literature review explored the global experiences of college-aged women with dysmenorrhea. A search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2025 using databases including CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Keywords included dysmenorrhea, menstrual discomfort, college students, academic performance, quality of life, and women’s health. Fourteen studies were selected, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews with meta-analyses, quantitative cross-sectional studies, and qualitative research from regions including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
RESULTS: Across countries and cultural contexts, dysmenorrhea consistently impacted college-aged women’s academic and personal experiences. Common findings included menstrual pain, difficulty concentrating, class absenteeism, decreased classroom participation, and reduced academic performance. Many students also reported emotional distress, fatigue, and decreased quality of life during menstruation. Cultural stigma and the normalization of menstrual pain often resulted in delayed healthcare seeking, under diagnosing, and inadequate symptom management.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Dysmenorrhea significantly affects the wellbeing and academic experiences of college-aged women globally but is frequently overlooked. Increased awareness, supportive academic environments, and compassionate healthcare practices are necessary to improve outcomes. Nurses and healthcare professionals can play an important role in educating students, advocating for supportive policies, and addressing cultural stigmas surrounding menstrual health.
Global Experiences of College Aged Women with Dysmenorrhea: Literature Review
INTRODUCTION: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition affecting approximately 50–90% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by painful menstrual cramps and may include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, and diarrhea. Despite its prevalence, dysmenorrhea remains an under-addressed health concern. Cultural beliefs and societal attitudes often normalize menstrual pain, which can discourage women from seeking care. Among college-aged women, dysmenorrhea can significantly affect academic performance, attendance, and overall quality of life.
METHOD: This literature review explored the global experiences of college-aged women with dysmenorrhea. A search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2025 using databases including CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Keywords included dysmenorrhea, menstrual discomfort, college students, academic performance, quality of life, and women’s health. Fourteen studies were selected, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews with meta-analyses, quantitative cross-sectional studies, and qualitative research from regions including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
RESULTS: Across countries and cultural contexts, dysmenorrhea consistently impacted college-aged women’s academic and personal experiences. Common findings included menstrual pain, difficulty concentrating, class absenteeism, decreased classroom participation, and reduced academic performance. Many students also reported emotional distress, fatigue, and decreased quality of life during menstruation. Cultural stigma and the normalization of menstrual pain often resulted in delayed healthcare seeking, under diagnosing, and inadequate symptom management.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Dysmenorrhea significantly affects the wellbeing and academic experiences of college-aged women globally but is frequently overlooked. Increased awareness, supportive academic environments, and compassionate healthcare practices are necessary to improve outcomes. Nurses and healthcare professionals can play an important role in educating students, advocating for supportive policies, and addressing cultural stigmas surrounding menstrual health.