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

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.