Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) among young females in Islamabad & Rawalpindi and to explore its association with physical activity and body mass index (BMI).
Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 387 females aged 18-25 years from Islamabad & Rawalpindi. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on menstrual characteristics, BMI, and physical activity levels. The characteristic of dysmenorrhea was assessed using the WaLIDD score, pain severity was measured by the Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Association was determined between PD, BMI, and physical activity levels by using Pearson’s Chi-Square test.
Results: Majority (87.6%) of participants (n=339), reported experiencing PD. Among those with dysmenorrhea, 54.3% experienced moderate pain and 20.9% reported severe pain. Most participants (61.8%) had a normal BMI, while 10.9% were overweight, and 1.3% were obese. Physical activity levels were mostly moderate (49.1%). Importantly, no significant association was found between PD and BMI (p>0.05) or physical activity levels (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of PD among young females in Islamabad & Rawalpindi is high. However, this study found no significant association between PD and BMI or physical activity levels.

Key words: Dysmenorrhea, body mass index, physical activity, young females.