Associations of Physical Activity and Smoking Status with Primary Dysmenorrhoea in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhoea is a common and important gynaecological complaint among women of reproductive age that may adversely affect daily activities and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the associations of physical activity level and smoking status with menstrual pain severity among young women. This cross-sectional study included 177 women aged 18-30 years who had regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days, ±7 days) and no history of childbirth or miscarriage. Menstrual pain severity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), based on the maximum pain experienced during the previous three menstrual cycles. Physical activity level was determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Participants who reported smoking regularly for at least six months were classified as regular smokers. Women reporting higher physical activity levels had lower menstrual pain scores, and the difference across physical activity groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Although smokers had higher VAS scores than non-smokers across all physical activity groups, the difference reached statistical significance only in the moderate-physical-activity group (6.00 ± 1.00 vs. 5.00 ± 1.00; p = 0.009). The differences observed in the low- and high-physical-activity groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.059 and p = 0.219, respectively). The findings indicate an inverse cross-sectional association between self-reported physical activity level and menstrual pain severity. However, the association between smoking status and menstrual pain was not consistent across physical activity groups and should be interpreted cautiously.