Awareness of menstrual abnormality amongst college students in urban area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background:Disturbances of menstrual bleeding are major social and medical problem for women and account for high percentage of gynecological visit.Objectives:The objective of the study was to document menstrual abnormalities experienced by female college students, their awareness and health seeking behavior.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was undertaken, 400 students were selected using stratified sampling technique and interviewed using semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Inferential statistical analysis such as Chi-square test and logistic regressions were carried out.Results:The mean age at menarche was 14.18 years. Irregular menstrual cycles were reported in 9.0%. Dysmenorrhea was present in 62.5%, and 12.5% reported school absenteeism. Students' awareness of menstrual abnormalities was poor (29%). A few of them (10.5%) decided to seek help for menstrual abnormalities. The awareness of students on menstrual abnormalities was significantly influenced by their age (OR = 2.33, P = 0.03); however, age at menarche and level of study did not influence their awareness (OR = 0.45, P = 0.24 and OR = 1.42, P = 0.12). History of dysmenorrheal (OR = 10.2, P = 0.001) and academic disturbance (OR = 5.45, P = 0.001) had significant influence on the health seeking behavior of the students.Conclusion:There was a general lack of information about menstrual issues and when to seek help. There is a need to educate female college students about menstrual issues in order to improve their health seeking behavior as regards menstrual abnormalities.

Health Education Intervention on Knowledge and Practices about reproductive health among Adolescent Females Students

“…The present results agreed with (23) found that the mean age of marriage was 22.1±3.0 and 22.4±2.5 years of the middle and late adolescents respectively and there was statistical significance. This goes in line with (20) reported that the mean age at menarche was found to be 13.62±0.913 years. Similarly, (24) found that the mean age of menarche in the adolescent females was 12.85±0.867 years.…”

“…Similar study conducted by (19) reported that the mean age of the respondents was 17±0.752. Similarly study conducted (20) highlighted that the mean age of adolescents was 16.75±1.25 years of being majority in the age group of 15-17 years. Also (21) found that majority (87.2%) of the participants belonged to the age group of (16-17.9) years.…”

A study on perception and practice of menstruation among school going adolescent girls in district Ambala Haryana, India

“…Both boys and girls are interested in knowing more about normal and abnormal menstruation; the girls so that they could make correct decisions on when to seek medical attention and boys so that they could support their female friends. 8 The studies have dearth of information in the medical community and lay public about normal vs. abnormal menstrual bleeding. The literature suggests that menstrual problems may be as common in developing countries as they are in developed countries, and that when services are available, this will prompt women to seek care for menstrual complaints.…”

Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of women towards abnormal menstrual bleeding and its impact on quality of life

“…Students awareness of menstrual abnormalities was poor (29%).Only a few of them (10.5%) decided to seek help for menstrual abnormalities. 13 Due to myths attached to menstruation as something unhygienic, many a times heavy menstrual bleeding may go undiagnosed and untreated leading to an unnecessary suffering in women.…”

“…4,6,13 The patient centric approach is reflected in the definition of heavy menstrual bleeding by Nice which takes into account the woman's perceptions of menstrual blood loss and the subsequent impact on their quality of life. 7 The results from this study show that significantly more women in the heavy bleeding group identified their bleeding to be problematic than the normal bleeding group.…”