Original Article Egyptian Journal of Health Care, 2021 EJHC Vol.12 No.2 1844 Lifestyle Risk Factors and Occurrence of Primary Dysmenorrhea among Adolescents: Suggested Guidelines Sahar Mansour Ibrahim (1) , Reda M. Nabil Aboushady (2) , Dalia Mohamed Abdelkhalik Kishk (³) & Nabila Abdelkader Abdeldaiem (4) (1) Lecturer of Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt (2) Assistant professor of Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt (3) Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt (4) Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt Corresponding author: Sahar Mansour Ibrahim Email: sahar.mansour@cu.edu.eg Abstract Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD), a painful menstrual flow without any pelvic disease, is characterized by spasmodic discomfort that is primarily felt in the lower abdomen. Major contributing factors that up the severity of primary dysmenorrhea are lifestyle choices. Aim: It was 3 folds: (1) assess the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents, (2) explore the effects of specific lifestyle variables on the occurrence and severity of primary dysmenorrhea, and (3) design suggested guidelines to avoid occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea. Design: A cross sectional study was utilized. Sample: a convenience sample of 200 adolescents was recruited. Setting: Faculty Of Nursing, Mansoura University Egypt, Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect data; 1) Interviewing Questionnaire schedule, 2) dysmenorrhea assessment scale and 3) Lifestyle risk factors assessment questionnaire. Results: the mean age of adolescent was 21.3±1.34 years with 91% of them had primary dysmenorrhea. There was statistical significant relation between occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea and academic level, age at menarche, daily activities, skipping breakfast, type of food, amount of fast food, drink caffeine, number of cups of water per day, physical activities (p<0.05). Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is found to be highly prevalent among adolescent. There was a correlation between life style risk factors and the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent as daily activities, skipping breakfast, type of food, number of fast food, drink caffeine, number of cups of water per day, physical activities (p<0.05). Recommendations: Ongoing health education programs must be offered by nurses to adolescents that will consequently enhance their knowledge and practices that reduce the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea and improve their health status. Keywords: life style risk factors, primary dysmenorrhea, adolescents. Introduction Dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among adolescent girls who are menstruation, and it is a serious health issue because it affects 50–90% of the general population and has an impact on both future fertility and lifestyle choices. Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is marked by intense, excruciating cramping in the lower abdomen. It is frequently accompanied by additional symptoms like sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and trembling, all of which happen just before or during the menses. For teenage girls, it is the main reason for missed school days. Dysmenorrhea can be primary, without an underlying organic pathology, or secondary, with a clear pathology. Secondary dysmenorrhea, which is more prevalent in women older than 20 years old and is brought on by underlying pelvic problems or pathology (Karanth & Liya, 2018). Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is referred to pain with no obvious pathological pelvic disease and almost first occurs in females 20 years of age or younger after their ovulatory cycles become established. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is caused by prostaglandin-induced uterine contractions. Primary dysmenorrhea tends to occur with the onset of ovulatory cycles and usually improves with time, coincides with the onset of menstrual bleeding, and frequently associated with other prostaglandin-mediated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. The pain is sharp and crampy, and is located in the lower midline. The pelvic