Mastalgia and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Mastalgia is a common and painful experience among women. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of breast pain, characteristics of the pain, and factors associated with breast pain, particularly those that can be changed.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised women aged from 18 to 65 years. In total, 752 women were included. Risk factors for breast pain were determined using logistic regression analysis with the entry model, and the risk factors for periodic and non-periodic breast pain were assessed using logistic regression analysis with the backward model.

RESULTS: Results revealed that the following were significant risk factors: age between 35 and 50 years (OR, 1.614; CI, 1110-2347), university graduate (OR, 3.207; CI, 1.874-5.490), BMI of >30 (OR, 2.068; CI, 1.163-3.674), excessive use of salt (OR, 1,687; CI, 1.075-2 .647), weight gain in the last 5 years (OR, 1.411; CI, 1018-1955), use of a small bra (OR, 3.260; CI, 2204-4821), and use of a large bra (OR, 1.896; CI, 1276-2817).

CONCLUSION: Weight control, restriction of salt intake, and selection of a suitable brassiere are important for preventing and managing mastalgia.