An In-Depth Systematic Review on the Frequency, Risk Contributors and Implications of Dysmenorrhea Among Female University Students

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological problems among young women, with studies from India, Ethiopia, and Turkey reporting prevalence rates ranging from 25.5% to 93%. Contributing factors include early menarche, low body weight, family history, lifestyle habits, and specific menstrual characteristics. The condition frequently interferes with social participation and academic responsibilities, yet many affected women do not seek medical attention. The present review aims to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among university students, identify major contributing factors, evaluate its impact on health and academic performance, and examine commonly adopted management and coping strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE (via PubMed) to ensure high sensitivity in identifying relevant studies. Findings indicate that dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among female university students, with significant implications for their well-being and educational engagement. These results emphasize the need for greater awareness, early diagnosis, and holistic management approaches to improve outcomes.