Correlates of dysmenorrhea. A challenge to past stereotypes.

A study was conducted to explore the relationship of demographic variables, gynecologic history variables, and menstrual attitudes to three measures of dysmenorrhea derived from the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. One hundred ninety-three women, 18 to 35 years old, from five neighborhoods in a large, metropolitan city comprised the sample population. The strongest correlates found were attitudes toward menstruation, though associations between dysmenorrhea and items reflecting traditional/feminist dimensions were absent. Further precision in defining dysmenorrhea and a comprehensive, health-oriented approach to dealing with menstrual distress is indicated. Recommendations about the nurse's role in counseling dysmenorrheic women and promoting more positive menstrual attitudes are discussed.