Self-reported Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Female Students with Dysmenorrhoea at Makerere University: Prevalence, Discontinuation and Associated Factors. a Cross Sectional Study

Overview

Journal BMJ Open

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2024 Jun 6

PMID 38844394

Authors

Solomon Gobba

Winnie Kibone

Ronald Kiguba

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs in up to 50% of menstruating females. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used therapeutic remedies for dysmenorrhoea in Uganda. However, NSAIDs are associated with a 3-5 fold increase in the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse drug effects.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported NSAID-related GI adverse effects in female students who use NSAIDs in managing dysmenorrhoea-associated pain at Makerere University.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: Makerere University's main campus, situated North of Kampala, Uganda.

Participants: 314 female students pursuing an undergraduate programme at Makerere University and residing in different halls of residence and hostels.

Outcomes: Social demographic data, menstrual history and treatment data.

Results: Overall, 314 valid responses were received from female students with a median age of 22 years (IQR: 18-29 years). The median age at menarche was 13 years (IQR: 9-18 years). 41% (n=129/314) of the respondents had used medication for dysmenorrhoea and 32% (n=41/129) of whom reported NSAID-associated GI adverse effects with nausea being the most frequently reported (44%, n=18/41)Factors independently associated with GI adverse effects were: age at menarche (p=0.026), duration of menstruation (p=0.030) and use of ibuprofen (p=0.005). Females taking ibuprofen for dysmenorrhoea were about four times as likely to have NSAID-associated GI adverse effects (adjusted OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.51 to 9.91) than those who did not receive ibuprofen. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with self-reported adverse effects of NSAIDs among the female students. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Conclusion: We found a considerably high prevalence of NSAID-related GI adverse effects driven by factors such as age at menarche and ibuprofen use.

Citing Articles

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PMID: 40063193 PMC: 11893933. DOI: 10.1007/s44192-025-00153-1.

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