The Influences of Lifestyle Habits on the Intensity of Dysmenorrhea Among Female Nursing Students in UNIMAS
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UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
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Dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menstruation and pain radiating to the groin, back, and thighs. Dysmenorrhea is particularly common and affecting adolescents and young adults, with a notable impact on daily functioning. Genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity are recognised as key contributors to menstrual irregularities (Dhar et al., 2023). Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between lifestyle habits and the severity of dysmenorrhea among female nursing students at UMINAS. To determine the level of intensity of dysmenorrhea, to identify the lifestyle habits influencing the presence of dysmenorrhea, and to assess the relationship between lifestyle habits and the intensity of dysmenorrhea among female nursing students in UNIMAS. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among female nursing students in UNIMAS. A total 145 participants were selected using simple random sampling method. Data collected through a 36-item self-administered questionnaire which divided into 4 parts: sociodemographic, dietary habits, physical activity, and intensity of dysmenorrhea. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Spearman correlation coefficient was utilized to assess the relationship between lifestyle habits and intensity of dysmenorrhea among female nursing students in UNIMAS. Majority female nursing students in UNIMAS experienced moderate level of dysmenorrhea with (n = 78, 53.8%). Lifestyle habits which are dietary habits and physical activity no significant to the presence of dysmenorrhea (U = 713, p = .857) and (U = 781, p = .742) respectively. There was no relationship between dietary habits and physical activity with intensity of dysmenorrhea (rs = -.026, p = .758) and (rs= -.045, p = .588) respectively. The study revealed that dysmenorrhea is common among female nursing students at UNIMAS, with most experiencing moderate pain. Despite this, no iv significant association was found between dietary habits or physical activity and the severity of menstrual pain. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness, support, and effective pain management strategies to help students maintain their daily activities.