Association Between Body Mass Index and Menstrual Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Female Students

Introduction: Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among female students and may be influenced by various factors, including body mass index (BMI). Understanding this relationship is essential for early management and prevention strategies. Methods: This analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design involved 60 female students selected through purposive sampling. BMI was calculated based on weight and height measurements, while dysmenorrhea intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results: Spearman’s rho correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between BMI and menstrual pain intensity (p = 0.003, r = 0.377), indicating that higher BMI is associated with greater pain levels. Conclusion: There is a significant, albeit low, positive correlation between BMI and dysmenorrhea intensity in female university students. These findings suggest the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI to potentially reduce menstrual pain severity.