Influence of Type D Personality, Dietary Assessment and Increase Exposure Toward Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on the Dysmenorrhea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to identify the factors that influence dysmenorrhea. METHODS: In this study, 205 female participants were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included scales to assess general characteristics, personality type, dietary assessment, eincrease exposure toward endocrine disrupting chemicals, and the occurrence of dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlational coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression, using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program. RESULTS: The average score for dysmenorrhea was 85.04±32.69 points. The percentage of participants belonging to the Type D Personality group was 21.0%. Type D Personality (r=0.473, p < 0.001) and increase exposure toward endocrine disrupting chemicals (r=0.532, p < 0.001) correlated moderately with the level of dysmenorrhea. The correlation between the degree of dietary assessment and the level of dysmenorrhea was weakly negative (r=−0.170, p < 0.05). The most powerful predictor of dysmenorrhea was personality type (β=0.37, p < 0.001). A combination of the following factors accounted for 27.3% of the variance in dysmenorrhea menstrual amount, menstrual regulation, occupation, and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that when nursing assessments and interventions are performed for women with dysmenorrhea, it is necessary for nurses to take into account the personality type of the patient.