Use of visual pain ratting tools in diagnosys of dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls

Abstract

Introduction. International studies suggest that between 15 to 95% of post-pubertal adolescent girls endure dysmenorrhea. The diagnosis of dysmenorrhea is clinical, but nowadays, there is no uniformity in the diagnostic process with adequate measurements tools, that allow classification of dysmenorrhea severity. It is obvious, that management of menstrual pain is optimized if the pain is assessed with the appropriate measuring tool.Aim of the study. To evaluate existing practices in measuring menstrual pain in adolescent girls and establish the feasibility of using the WaLIDD score to diagnose dysmenorrhea among post-pubertal adolescents. Materials and methods. Were used following materials and methods: literature review in the area; secondary data analysis, using SSPS 11 statistical tools, from Research Project on psychosexual development and gynaecological pathology of adolescent girls (based on interviewing by semi-structured questionnaire, including variable related menstrual pain ratting by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 115 adolescent girls 15-18 years old who visit Youth Friendly Health Centers (YFHCs) for different reasons; in-death interviews with 10 doctors gynaecologists from YFHCs and 1 Focus Group with adolescent girls (15-18 years old) to evaluate feasibility for applying WaLIDD scale in practice of youth friendly health services. Results. 75% of 15-18 years old adolescents’ girls who visit Youth Friendly Health Centers in Moldova for different reasons reveal menstrual pain. Pain with moderate to severe intensity had 47.8% of respondents, and intensity from very strong to extremely strong and unbearable was reported in 8.7% of cases. 28.7% from adolescent girls with menstrual pain take monthly different pain killers, with the effect of which they are not satisfied. Analyse of current practice in adolescent gynaecological care in Republic of Moldova, present that commonly menstrual pain severity is evaluate verbally without clear rating score, just in few cases is used VAS and/or verbal ratting score. Latest data suggest to use a new multi-dimensional tool in assessing menstrual pain - working ability, location, intensity, days of pain in dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD). Gynaecologists from YFHCs perceived WaLIDD tool as quiet new one, informative, easy to apply and helpful for better management plan of dysmenorrhea. They show readiness to apply it in daily practice. Adolescent girls mentioned that for them use of self-administrated visual tools, like WaLIDD is more easy and affordable than existing practices and they are ready to use it. Conclusions. The WALIDD scoring tool could be categorized as the most appropriate tool in the diagnosis severity of dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls. It is well accepted by gynaecologists form YFHCs and by adolescent girls beneficiaries and can be recommended to be used in daily practice.