Factors Associated with the Prevalence and Severity of Menstrual-Related Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Risa Mitsuhashi, Akemi Sawai, Kosuke Kiyohara, Hitoshi Shiraki and Yoshio Nakata ()
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Risa Mitsuhashi: Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan
Akemi Sawai: Research Institute of Physical Fitness, Japan Women’s College of Physical Education, 8-19-1 Kitakarasuyama, Setagaya-ku 157-8565, Japan
Kosuke Kiyohara: Department of Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Otsuma Women’s University, 12 Sanban-cho, Chiyoda-ku 102-8357, Japan
Hitoshi Shiraki: Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan
Yoshio Nakata: Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: This study aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence and severity of menstrual-related symptoms. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021208432). We conducted literature searches of PubMed and Ichushi-Web and used the Jonna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist to assess the quality. Of the 77 studies included in the meta-analysis, significant odds ratios (ORs) were obtained for eight factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea (PD): age ≥ 20 years (OR: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.34), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m 2 (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.01–2.26), longer menstrual periods (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04–0.28), irregular menstrual cycle (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.13–1.45), family history of PD (OR: 3.80; 95% CI: 2.18–6.61), stress (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.30–2.72), sleeping hours < 7 h (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04–1.35), and bedtime after 23:01 (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.16–1.45). Two factors were associated with severity of PD (moderate vs. severe): BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.01–3.54) and smoking (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.08–3.47). PD severity (mild vs. severe) and prevalence of premenstrual syndrome were associated with BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.04–3.50) and smoking (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.31–2.66), respectively. The identified risk factors could be utilized to construct an appropriate strategy to improve menstrual symptoms and support women’s health.

Keywords: menstrual-related symptoms; primary dysmenorrhea; premenstrual syndrome; risk factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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