A survey of 1826 women in the Wellington region was carried out. Participants were asked about their general and gynaecological health and their menstrual, contraceptive and obstetric history. Detailed questions were asked about the menstruating women's last menstrual cycle. Half the women reported some dysmenorrhoea, and 520 had 'significant period pain.' Severity, duration and timing of pain were indexed. There was maximum prevalence at 20 to 24 years and positive associations with smoking, short cycles, and moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms. There was association with method of contraception but no association with sedentary occupation or body mass index. The apparent negative relationship with parity was not significant when age, smoking and premenstrual symptomatology were taken into account.
PIP: 1826 women in the Wellington region of New Zealand were surveyed to determine the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea. Study participants ranged in age from 16-54 years and had been recruited from the population of women who attended general practice surgeries for 1 week during June 1985. 30 general practice surgeons were randomly selected from a list of 190 doctors in general practice within the greater Wellington area. Questions were asked about several aspects of general health as well as about each woman's menstrual, contraceptive, and obstetrical history. 80% of the women surveyed were menstruating currently. The analysis was restricted to currently menstruating women to avoid any bias due to problems of longterm recall. 772 women (53%) responded that they experienced pain with their periods; 176 women (12%) reported discomfort severe enough to necessitate time off work or school. 12% of the total sample reported pain lasting 3 or more days; 36% reported pain lasting 2 or more days. 1/3 of all the women reporting period pain said the pain occurred only during menstruation; over half reported that it occurred both before and during menstruation. Some women experienced pain premenstrually only. Both prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea were highest among women under age 25, with maximum prevalence and severity between 20-24 years (63% prevalence, 47% with significant period pain). The association with age was strong and was controlled for when considering other associations. Women with shorter menstrual cycles reported significantly more dysmenorrhea than those with average or long cycles. Smoking of cigarettes increased both prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea. When smoking habits and age were controlled for, there was no consistent difference in prevalence or severity of dysmenorrhea with parity. Oral contraceptives (OCs) were seen to lessen both prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea.