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AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

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Primary dysmenorrhea is common among women in sub-Saharan Africa

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A healthcare worker with blonde braided hair in a white coat consults with a woman wearing a surgical mask and black sleeveless top, both appearing engaged in a medical consultation in an indoor clinical setting.
Research area:MedicineMenstrual Health and DisordersEpidemiology

What the study found

The study found that primary dysmenorrhea, which means painful menstruation without an underlying pelvic disease, affects nearly three-quarters of women in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence was 73.49% across the studies included.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that the findings help address the limited regional estimates of prevalence and associated factors for primary dysmenorrhea in sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests this evidence is relevant because the condition has a high burden in the region.

What the researchers tested

The researchers carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies published from 2008 to 2025. They searched PubMed, Scopus, HINARI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and university repositories, then used Joanna Briggs Institute tools for data extraction and quality appraisal.

What worked and what didn't

The analysis included 65 studies with 28,813 participants from 12 sub-Saharan African countries. Family history of dysmenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, and short cycle length of less than 21 days were associated with higher odds of primary dysmenorrhea, while sexual intercourse was associated with lower odds.

What to keep in mind

The available summary does not describe individual study limitations in detail. The results come from cross-sectional studies, so the report describes associations and prevalence, not causation.

Key points

  • Primary dysmenorrhea pooled prevalence was 73.49% in the included studies.
  • Sixty-five studies and 28,813 participants from 12 sub-Saharan African countries were analyzed.
  • Family history of dysmenorrhea was associated with higher odds of primary dysmenorrhea.
  • Irregular menstrual cycles and cycles shorter than 21 days were also associated with higher odds.
  • Sexual intercourse was associated with lower odds in the analysis.

Disclosure

Research title:
Primary dysmenorrhea is common among women in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors:
Bekan Gudata Gindaba, Takele Mitiku Tesema, Firafan Shuma Teka, Gemechis Ifa Wakjira, Misgana Tesgera Abdisa, Mulugeta Lemma Neggasa, Tesfaye Abera Gudeta
Institutions:
Asossa University, Mattu University, Oromiyaa Regional Health Bureau, Wollega University, Wollega University, Wollega University, Wollega University
Publication date:
2026-03-05
DOI:
10.1186/s12905-026-04379-1
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by gpt-5.4-mini (OpenAI). The original authors did not write or review this post.