THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND THE SEVERITY OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA PAIN IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Introduction: High pain levels in primary dysmenorrhea may be influenced by several factors including abnormal body mass index.

Method: This is descriptive analytical research with cross sectional method for data collection. Samples were selected with stratified random sampling technique, which consisted of 96 medical students in Medical Faculty of Udayana University year 2022-2023. Data were collected with online questionnaire and research subjects’ height and weight were measured. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS.

Result: This research showed that there is a relationship between body mass index and primary dysmenorrhea pain levels in young adults.

Discussion: Leptin, which is produced by fat cells, plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Both leptin excess and deficiency can cause hormonal instability, which induces prostaglandin production, and, consequently increases pain levels.

Conclusion: Abnormal body mass index is a factor that may increase pain levels in primary dysmenorrhea.