Primary Dysmenorrhea and Sleep Quality: A Study in Tarumanagara University Medical Students

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual pain experienced by young women, characterized by lower abdominal quadrant pain without any underlying pelvic pathology. The intensity of menstrual pain can significantly impact daily activities, and it can also influence various factors, including sleep quality. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between sleep quality and dysmenorrhea severity. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design in 214 female medical students at Tarumanagara University aged between 18 to 25 years. Sleep Quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the severity of primary dysmenorrhea was measured using a questionnaire adapted from a previously developed instrument. It was validated and tested for reliability by the authors in this study (Cronbach’s α = 0.767). Data were analyze using the Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for BMI and age at menarche. Result: The study found that 49.1% students have poor sleep quality, and 47.2% experienced severe primary dysmenorrhea. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with higher dysmenorrhea severity (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.76–5.37). Good sleep quality was independently associated with lower odds of severe dysmenorrhea (OR = 0.309; 95% CI: 0.174–0.548; p < 0.001), while BMI and menarche age were not significant. Conclusion: Good sleep quality is independently associated with reduced severity of primary dysmenorrhea and may reduce the risk of experiencing severe dysmenorrhea.