Demissie Astrat Prof)Hailemeskel Solomon2022-04-152023-11-062022-04-152023-11-062012-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/31375Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic compliant among adolescent females. There is a wide variation in the estimate of primary dysmenorrhea 50 to 90%. The disorder is the most common cause of short term school and class absenteeism, loss of class concentration and test taking skill by adolescent women. Objective: To assess associated risk factors of primary dysmenorrhea and its effect on student’s academic performance in Debre Berhan University, North shoa zone, Amhara regional state from September 2011- May 2012. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Debre Berhan University from September 2011 to May 2012 using multistage stratified sampling technique to select 440 female students. A structured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The severity of dysmenorrheal pain was assessed by using verbal multidimensional scoring system and visual analog scale (VAS). The data was double entered into Epi Info version 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 17. Data were analyzed using X2 test and logistic regression analysis. P-value<0.05 at 95%confidence interval (CI) for Odds Ratio (OR) was considered statistically significant. Result: a total of 440 students had participated in this study. The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 368(85.4%). About 123 (28.5%) had mild, 164(38.1%) had moderate and 81(18.8%) had severe primary dysmenorrhea. 88.3% of dysmenorrheic students reported that primary dysmenorrhea had negative effect on academic performance. Of these 80% reported school absence, 66.8% reported lose of class concentration, 56.3% reported class absence, 47.4% reported lose of class participation, 37.8% reported limited sport participation, 31.7% reported limitation in going out with friends and 21% reported inability to do homework. Risk of primary dysmenorrhea was approximately 7 times higher in students who had monthly income of less than 150ETB (AOR= 6.671); 6 times higher in students who had history of attempt to lose weight (AOR=6.085); 14 times higher in students who had history of depression or anxiety (AOR=13.607); 3 time higher in students who had disruption of social network either of family, friends or people they love (AOR= 3.218); 19 times higher in students who consume more than four glass of tea per day (AOR= 18.938); 7 times higher among students who consume one and more than one coca or Pepsi per day (AOR= 6.786); 47 times higher in nulipara (AOR= 47.318) and 27 time higher in students with a family history of dysmenorrhea (AOR= 27.228). In the contrary students’ interval and duration of menstruation, student’s age at menarche and body mass index were not significantly associated to primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion and recommendation: there is high prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea among Debre Berhan University students. The condition has a negative impact on student’s academic performance and it is found to be a significant health problem in students that requires attention. Future studies will be important to better identify risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea and lighten its effect on students’ academic performance.en-USPrimary Dysmenorrhea, Academic Performance, Risk Factors of Primary DysmenorrheaThesis