Magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Menstrual irregularity is a common problem among women aged from 21 to 25 years. Previously published work on menstrual irregularity used inconsistent definition which results in a difference in prevalence. Therefore the study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was carried out among 660 undergraduate female students at Debre Berhan University. To get representative study participants, a stratified sampling technique was used. To collect the data self-administered questionnaire was used. Physical examination and anthropometric measurement were also done. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression analysis was done. A significant association was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. Result A total of 620 students participated in the present study with a response rate of 93.9%. Out of the total study participants, 32.6% (95% CI 29–36.5) participants had irregular menstrual cycle. Significant association was found between anemia (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI 1.337–3.441), alcohol intake (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI 1.25–4.666), < 5 sleep hours (AOR = 5.4; 95%CI 2.975–9.888), 6–7 sleep hours (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI 1.291–2.907), Perceived stress (AOR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.8322–5.940), iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) (AOR = 3.9; 95%CI 1.325–11.636) and underweight (AOR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.109–2.847) with menstrual irregularity. Conclusion The finding of this study reported a low magnitude of menstrual irregularity as compared to previous studies. Students should adopt healthier lifestyle practices (weight control, stress control, anemia control, and avoid alcohol intake) to control menstrual irregularity.

Menstrual irregularity and its associated factors among college students in Ethiopia, 2021

“…The magnitude of menstrual cycle irregularity in the current study is 33.4% (132). This finding is consistent with previous studies conducted in Ethiopia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia (11,25,26). However, the finding of the current study is lower than studies conducted in Ethiopia Bahir Dar University, Sudan, Malaysia, and Lebanon (10,(27)(28)(29).…”

“…Our studies show overweight students were at two-fold greater risk for menstrual irregularity compared to those who were of normal weight. This result is consistent with other studies conducted in Ethiopia Adama, Lebanon, Taiwan, and India (11,29,30,33,34). This could be due to hormonal abnormalities caused by obesity and being overweight (body fat).…”

“…Our findings show those respondents who sleep < 5 h were two times more at risk of having menstrual irregularity than those who sleep 6-8 h per day. This result is consistent with studies done in Ethiopia (Adama and Debre Berhan University), China, and Korea (11,13,30,39). This could be related to sleep disruption, which can cause hormone imbalances, which can disrupt the menstrual cycle, and cause discomfort and stress.…”

“…Furthermore, menstrual irregularity was reported to be prevalent in Ethiopia at 26.5–32.6 percent. Lack of adequate sleep, alcohol intake, stress, Anemia, hereditary factors, and being underweight are major contributing factors to menstrual irregularity ( 11 – 13 ).…”

Menstrual irregularities and vaginal bleeding after COVID-19 vaccination reported to v-safe active surveillance, USA in December, 2020–January, 2022: an observational cohort study

“…In studies conducted in Korea, Japan, and Ethiopia before the COVID-19 pandemic that specifically solicited responses about menstruation among women of reproductive age, the prevalence of menstrual irregularities was estimated to be between 14% and 33%. 27 , 28 , 29 The prevalence of postmenopausal bleeding among postmenopausal Danish women has been estimated to be 11%. 30 Stress, anxiety, and uncharacterised factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic might increase incidence of menstrual irregularities.…”