Prevalence, impact and management strategies for dysmenorrhea in Aotearoa New Zealand: a scoping review

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dysmenorrhea affects the majority of young women worldwide, but geographical and cultural differences can influence the reporting, impact and management of symptoms. Aotearoa New Zealand is a culturally diverse country, with a high proportion of MÄori and Pacific peoples. The aim of this scoping review was to assess the current literature on the prevalence, impact and management strategies for dysmenorrhea in Aotearoa New Zealand. METHOD: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was used to systematically map the evidence of prevalence, severity and symptoms, impact and management strategies for dysmenorrhea in Aotearoa New Zealand. Eight electronic databases were searched in August 2024. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Our findings show that the current data for the prevalence, impact and management strategies for dysmenorrhea in Aotearoa New Zealand are both limited and outdated. CONCLUSION: The results from this scoping review highlight the need for updated data on dysmenorrhea in Aotearoa New Zealand, with particular focus on MÄori and Pacific peoples, and geographical diversity.