Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42491820›Full record

ArticleJournal of education and health promotion2026

Impact of dysmenorrhea on academic performance and quality of life among female medical students: A pilot study.

Zahraa Muhmmed Jameel Al-Sattam, Yusur Firas Abd Ali, Dania Nibras Rasheed, Nabaa Riyadh Talib, Weqar Akram Hussein

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Article in Journal of education and health promotion, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Zahraa Muhmmed Jameel Al-SattamDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Baghdad, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.
Yusur Firas Abd AliUniversity of Baghdad, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.
Dania Nibras RasheedUniversity of Baghdad, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.
Nabaa Riyadh TalibUniversity of Baghdad, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.
Weqar Akram HusseinDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Baghdad, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDysmenorrhea is a common menstrual disorder among young women and is frequently associated with physical discomfort, emotional distress, and functional limitations. Among medical students, the demanding academic environment may further exacerbate its impact. However, data from Iraqi medical students remain limited, despite the potential academic and quality-of-life consequences. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its impact on academic performance and quality of life, and associated coping strategies and health-seeking behaviors among female medical students. MATERIALS AND

methodsA cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among female medical students at Al-Kindy College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq, during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire assessing menstrual characteristics, pain severity, academic functioning, quality-of-life domains, coping strategies, and healthcare utilization. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed using SPSS version 28. Statistical significance was set at

resultsAmong 100 participants, 89% reported experiencing dysmenorrhea, of whom 72% described their pain as severe. More than half of the students reported difficulty attending classes and reduced concentration during lectures due to menstrual pain. Dysmenorrhea was also associated with negative effects on daily activities, emotional wellbeing, and sleep quality. Severe dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with reduced concentration (

conclusionDysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among Iraqi female medical students and has a substantial negative impact on academic performance and quality of life. These findings highlight the need for institution-based menstrual health promotion initiatives, increased awareness, and supportive academic policies to improve student wellbeing and educational outcomes.

Indexed as

Academic performancedysmenorrheaIraqmedical studentsmenstrual healthquality of life

Identifiers

PMID42491820
PMCPMC13378829

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