Relationship Between Psychosocial Stress and Menstrual Function-Related Abnormalities Among the Female Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

BACKGROUND Several studies have shown contradictory results as some of the studies reported the association between stress score and menstrual function-related abnormalities while some have failed to show any relationship between stress score and menstrual function-related abnormalities. Hence, this study was conducted with an aim to see whether there is any relationship between psychosocial stress as measured by Inventory to Measure Psychosocial Stress (IMPS) and menstrual function-related abnormalities among the female undergraduate medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted on 81 female undergraduate students of a Medical college. A questionnaire along with the IMPS was provided to the students. The questionnaire dealt with anthropometric data, menstrual history and menstrual health status. RESULTS Fifty-three percent (53%) of students have stress score ranging from 20-39 while 47% have stress score 10-19. A majority of students (80%) reported premenstrual symptoms. The proportion of students who reported irregular menstrual cycles and heavy menstrual flow were 67% and 62% respectively. Most of the students (80%) also reported menstrual pain. The students who have premenstrual symptoms have significantly higher stress score than those who do not (p<0.001). Those students who reported menstrual pain (p<0.001) and irregular menstrual cycle (p<0.001) also have significantly higher stress score than those who do not. Logistic regression showed that stress was the significant predictor of premenstrual symptoms (p=0.001) and menstrual pain (p=0.001). Both stress score (p=001) and body mass index (p=0.01) were found to be predictors for experiencing irregular menstrual cycle. CONCLUSION Our study showed that students who reported menstrual-related abnormalities had higher stress score than those who did not. Also stress score is an independent predictor of menstrual-related abnormalities.