Association Between Stress Levels and Primary Dysmenorrhea Pain Intensity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Agusta Klaudia Wea; Luh Putu Ayu Vitalisyawati; Ni Made Rininta Adi Putri; Ni Luh Made Reny Wahyu Sari

doi:10.24843/

Authors

Agusta Klaudia Wea Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia Author
Luh Putu Ayu Vitalisyawati Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia Author
Ni Made Rininta Adi Putri Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia Author
Ni Luh Made Reny Wahyu Sari Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/

Keywords:

Stress, Psychological, Dysmenorrhea, Students, Cross-Sectional Studies, Pain Measurement

Abstract

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among female university students and may interfere with daily activities. Stress is considered one of the factors that can exacerbate menstrual pain.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between stress levels and the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea pain among female students at Dhyana Pura University.
Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted at Dhyana Pura University from April to May 2025. A total of 40 female students who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Stress levels were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), while pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, normality testing, linearity testing, and hypothesis testing. Normality tests showed that both stress levels and pain intensity were not normally distributed (p=0.001 for both; p<0.05); therefore, Spearman’s Rho correlation test was applied.
Results: The analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation between stress levels and primary dysmenorrhea pain intensity (r=0.757; p<0.01), indicating that higher stress levels were associated with greater menstrual pain intensity.
Conclusion: Stress levels are significantly and positively associated with the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea pain among female university students.