Association between leisure-time physical activity and menstrual cycle characteristics among female undergraduates with primary dysmenorrhea in Nigeria

Objective: Women, especially young girls affected by Primary dysmenorrhea (PD), do not pay much attention to their health. Given the significance of LTPA in promoting health, this study investigated the impact of LTPA on the menstrual cycle characteristics of female undergraduates with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Nigeria. Methods: A convenience sample of 388 female undergraduates was cross-sectionally surveyed. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long form and Numerical Pain Rating Scale assessed LTPA and pain intensity of respondents. Furthermore, a pro-forma was used to document other menstrual cycle characteristics, including menarche, regularity of menstruation, perceived volume of menstrual flow and duration of dysmenorrhea pain. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Respondents’ mean age was 20.02 ± 2.78 years (range = 15-27 years), while 256 (67.3%) were physically active. The mean pain intensity of respondents was 6.13 ± 2.23, with 329 (84.8%) having moderate-to-severe levels of pain. LTPA was significantly associated with perceived volume of menstrual flow (Χ2 =11.44; p = 0.02) and duration of menstrual pain (Χ2 =14.86; p = 0.01). In addition, LTPA was associated with perceived volume of menstrual flow (OR = 0.413; CI: 0.258 – 0.663; p=0.001) and the duration of dysmenorrhea pain (OR = 0.584; CI: 0.381 – 0.895; p=0.014). Conclusion: Overall, LTPA is significantly associated with the volume of menstrual flow and duration of menstrual pain among females with PD. Therefore, women should be educated on the positive influence of LTPA in reducing menstrual cycle disturbances.