Exploring the Association Between Body Mass Index and Dysmenorrhea in Adolescent Girls in Uganda

Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is a common and disruptive experience for adolescent girls, especially in low-resource settings with limited access to care. This study explored the association between body mass index (BMI) and dysmenorrhea among 1,260 girls aged 14-17 in Uganda. A mixed-effects regression analysis showed significant associations between BMI and dysmenorrhea. Specifically, overweight and obese girls reported less pain than those with normal BMI, but pain increased with age among overweight and obese participants. Additionally, depression was associated with heightened pain while higher family assets and social support reduced it. These findings can inform strategies to enhance adolescent well-being.