The effect of nutrition on dysmenorrhoea in adolescent children in southeast London

Hilary Callaghan                                                                                                 Supervisor: Mary Penn

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nutrition on dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain) among 15 and 16 year old girls in a secondary comprehensive school in south east London. This study focused on oily fish, fruit, vegetables, red meat and egg consumption.

A questionnaire was distributed and filled in by 60 girls in an all girls school. The questionnaire enquired about their nutritional intake and portions of oily fish, fruit, vegetables and eggs consumed. This was related to whether they experienced dysmenorrhoea. Results were analysed on 2x2 contingency tables and the Fisher Exact test used for statistical analysis.

76% of the subjects experienced dysmenorrhoea and in 54% of these subjects, the pain can be considered high. There were no significant statistical findings but a trend observed that an increased consumption of oily fish reduced the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea. A trend was also seen that subjects who had a low fruit and vegetable consumption had a greater likelihood of experiencing dysmenorrhoea. No trends were seen in red meat or egg consumption.