| dc.description.abstract | Background. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological complaint among adolescents and young women and may negatively affect quality of life. Nutritional factors from daily dietary intake, such as omega-3 fatty acids and calcium, are thought to play a role in the mechanism of menstrual pain through their effects on prostaglandin synthesis and myometrial contractions.
Objective. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between omega-3 and calcium intake and the severity of primary dysmenorrhea among female students of SMA Islam Al-Ulum Terpadu, Medan.
Methods. This analytical study employed a cross-sectional design involving 81 respondents. The severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed using the Working Ability, Location, Intensity, Days of Pain (WaLIDD) Score, while dietary intake data were obtained using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 2×24-hour Food Recall. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi Square, Fisher-Freeman-Halton, and Spearman’s Rho tests, while multivariate analysis employed ordinal logistic regression.
Results and Discussion. The results showed no significant association between age, family history, age at menarche, or physical activity and the severity of dysmenorrhea (p > 0.05). Based on the FFQ, omega-3 and calcium intake were not significantly related to dysmenorrhea severity (p > 0.05). However, the 24-hour food recall results revealed significant associations between actual omega-3 intake (p = 0.000) and calcium intake (r = –0.323; p < 0.05) with dysmenorrhea severity. Ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that the combined intake of omega-3 and calcium was significantly associated with the severity of dysmenorrhea (p < 0.01).
Conclusion. Adequate daily intake of omega-3 and calcium plays an important role in reducing the severity of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents. Increasing the consumption of foods rich in omega-3 and calcium may be considered a potential non-pharmacological strategy for the prevention and management of primary dysmenorrhea. | en_US |
