Dysmenorrhea and menstrual patterns among adolescent school girls in Kano

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a periodic cramping lower abdominal pain which occurs at menstruation. It could be primary when there is no organic basis and secondary when its due to underlying pelvic pathology. The primary dysmenorrhea frequently begins during adolescence. Abnormal menstrual patterns can also be encountered among adolescent. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the rate of dysmenorrhea and menstrual patterns among adolescent school girls. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that was carried out among female adolescent girls in three secondary schools at Kano. Approval for the study was obtained from Kano State Ministry of Health. Consent/assent was obtained from all the participants/guardians. Information on dysmenorrhea and menstrual patterns was recorded on a pretested structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS Version 19, Statistics (SPSS Inc., IL, Chicago, USA). P