Dysmenorrhea in Focus (Dysmenorrhoe)

Dysmenorrhea refers to severe pain during menstruation and affects over 87% of young women in Switzerland. Yet knowledge and care remain inadequate. The project examines menstrual health, health literacy and healthcare provision among 16- to 20-year-olds, laying the foundation for effective pain prevention.

Key data

Description

Dysmenorrhea, defined as painful menstruation, is the most common gynecological condition worldwide and affects more than 87% of young women in Switzerland. In addition to severe pain, associated physical and psychological symptoms can substantially impair quality of life. Dysmenorrhea is a frequent cause of absence from school and work, as well as presenteeism, and inadequate treatment may contribute to the development of chronic pain.

Despite effective treatment options, significant gaps in care remain. Symptoms are sometimes trivialized, treatments are used inadequately, and counseling services may not be accessed because of financial, structural, or communication barriers. At the same time, many young women have limited knowledge of menstrual health. In Switzerland, comprehensive data on health literacy, medical care, and counseling services for young people affected by dysmenorrhea are currently lacking.

The project therefore investigates menstrual health, dysmenorrhea-related health literacy, and healthcare provision among young women aged 16 to 20 in Switzerland. To promote health equity and participation as core principles of public health, the project follows a participatory health research approach (Schröder-Bäck & Kuhn, 2016; Wright, 2021). An advisory group of patient experts will contribute the perspectives and lived experiences of those affected throughout the research process.

The methodological approach comprises three work packages:

1. Situation analysis: Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data will be collected from young women affected by dysmenorrhea, parents or guardians, healthcare professionals, and other relevant stakeholders. The analysis will examine health literacy, experiences of care, counseling services, and existing gaps in healthcare provision.

2. Development of measures: Based on the situation analysis, proposals for strengthening health literacy and improving healthcare provision will be developed together with affected young women and relevant stakeholders. Particular attention will be paid to integrating these measures into existing educational and healthcare structures.

3. Consultation and validation: In a workshop, patient experts and key stakeholders will discuss the findings and proposed measures. Their relevance, feasibility, and potential for integration into existing structures will be assessed collaboratively.

The project thus addresses an important gap in research and healthcare provision and establishes an evidence-based foundation for sustainable preventive measures.