Menstrual disorders, particularly dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and heavy menstrual bleeding (excessive menstrual blood loss), are common conditions among young adult females that can substantially impact quality of life, university attendance, and academic performance. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and determine the intensity of dysmenorrhea among undergraduate female medical students at Assiut University.
Participants in this cross-sectional observational study include nulliparous and nulligravid female undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine. Data collection involves face-to-face interviews and self-completed assessment instruments during non-instructional hours. Dysmenorrhea severity, pain characteristics, and related functional impairment are evaluated using the Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days of pain and Dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD) score. Menstrual blood volume is quantified using the Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBLAC) during the menstrual period to identify heavy menstrual bleeding. Additionally, the study assesses associated physical symptoms, academic absenteeism, and common pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies utilized by the participants.