Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Academic Performance, and Emotional Regulation: A Multifaceted Intervention

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition and a significant health issue. Among female students, some studies have highlighted a negative impact of dysmenorrhea solely on academic performance, while others found a correlation between emotional suppression and dysmenorrhea. Objective: This study explored the effects of primary dysmenorrhea on female students' academic performance and emotional regulation, and evaluated the impact of an intervention program. Methods: This quantitative research study was conducted in different schools and colleges of Karachi between the periods of February to May 2024. A total of 220 female students who experienced menstrual distress were enrolled from different schools and colleges in Karachi. Demographis, menstrual symptom, academic performance and emotional regulation questionnaires were used. Correlation coefficient was applied to explore the impact of dysmenorrhea on academic performance and emotional regulation. Results: Dysmenorrhea negatively impacts academic performance (p <0.01) and has negative impact on emotion expressive suppression regulation (p <0.05) but did not significantly impact emotional cognitive appraisal (p >0.05). An intervention was further applied on a sample of 12 participants. A significant difference was found in dysmenorrhea, academic performance, emotional regulation-CA whereas no significant difference was found in emotional regulation-ES in pre and post intervention results for experimental group. Results also indicate a significant difference in dysmenorrhea, and emotional regulation-CA whereas no significant difference found in academic performance and emotional regulation-ES between Experimental and Control Group. Conclusion: Pain management, lifestyle adjustments, and emotion regulation abilities are key factors for coping with PD and boosting academic performance. The need .......