Prevalence and Knowledge of Dysmenorrhea among Female Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian Private University

Background: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent gynecological problems affecting young women and is a leading cause of discomfort, reduced productivity, and impaired quality of life. Despite its high occurrence, knowledge gaps and misconceptions about dysmenorrhea persist among university students, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and the level of knowledge regarding the condition among female undergraduate students in a Nigerian private university. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 female undergraduate students of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, experience of dysmenorrhea, and knowledge of dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables, while chi-square test was employed to examine the association between age and knowledge of dysmenorrhea at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among respondents was 56.4%. The overall knowledge of dysmenorrhea was moderate, with a mean knowledge score of 2.27 and an overall knowledge rate of 61.3%. Majority of respondents correctly identified dysmenorrhea as painful menstruation and recognized its classification into primary and secondary types. A statistically significant association was found between respondents’ age and level of knowledge of dysmenorrhea (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is common among female undergraduates in this private university, and although the level of knowledge was moderate, important gaps remain. Age significantly influenced knowledge levels. Integrating menstrual health education into university health services is recommended to improve awareness and promote appropriate health-seeking behavior.