Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

primary dysmenorrhea, lived experiences, female varsity athletes, high-intensity sports

Abstract

Primary Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent reproductive disorder that inflicts painful monthly cramps, among other symptoms, that pose a health risk to women, especially varsity athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the lived experiences of varsity players in high-intensity sports with dysmenorrhea at DLSMHSI in terms of their athletic activities, taking into account various aspects. Researchers employed qualitative descriptive research to explore the experiences of female varsity athletes, selecting three participants via criterion sampling. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data, followed by thematic analysis to identify and classify responses, offering insights into the experiences of female athletes in varsity sports. The study revealed that muscle pain hinders players' performance, prompting them to adjust their workout intensity. Players struggled with focus, thus doing mind-setting during training and games. Irritability and less social engagement were also evident in their experiences. The study underscored the athlete's use of pain medications and the need for varsity athletes to be aware and prepared to optimize performance, as various factors according to the sports they play are key aspects of the experiences of varsity players. The study emphasized the significant impact of primary dysmenorrhea on female varsity athletes' game performance and recommends management strategies, open communication within teams, proactive involvement of coaches, institutional support, and a different approach and scope for future research to gain deeper insights into athletes' experiences with primary dysmenorrhea.

First Advisor

Krystal Sevilla Eroles

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