The Financial Ramifications of Dysmenorrhea
A Cross-Sectional Study on Employed Women in Chennai
Keywords:
Dysmenorrhea, Financial Stress, Prevalence, Absenteeism, Working, WomenAbstract
Introduction
Dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life and productivity among working women. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and financial stress among working women due to dysmenorrhea in Chennai, while also understanding the contributing factors and identifying effective coping strategies.
Materials and Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over two months, involving a sample of 102 working women aged 18 to 50 years. Data were collected through an online survey distributed throughout the Chennai district, which focused on demographics, characteristics of dysmenorrhea, average spending on medications, and coping strategies. The data were subsequently analyzed using SPSS software and Microsoft Excel.
Results
The findings revealed that 75.5% of respondents experienced dysmenorrhea, with an average pain score of 5.4. The average annual indirect cost due to absenteeism was found to be 9,700.84 INR, which is significantly tenfold higher than the average direct costs of 913.56 INR. Additionally, a notable correlation was identified between pain severity and factors such as age, duration of pain, and frequency of hospital visits. There was also a concerning lack of awareness regarding effective dysmenorrhea management, as 50.9% of participants reported using non-prescription medications, while only 18.6% utilized prescription drugs.
Conclusion
The financial burden of dysmenorrhea presents substantial challenges for women in maintaining their productivity. Enhanced public awareness and education on effective management strategies are essential to minimize the disorder's impact on quality of life.
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