Menstrual pattern of adolescent school girls of Bhavnagar (Gujarat).

ABSTRACT

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for females indicating her capability for procreation. However this normal often associated with some degree of sufferings and embarrassment. The prevalence of menstrual disorders has been recorded as high as 87 % though there is a relative openness in the society as well as commercialization has increased, the menstrual hygienic practices have not changed much. Mostly it is because of a sense of hesitation and to an extent, because of financial restraints. Present study was carried in this line to find out problems. Aims and Objectives: To find out the age of menarche of girls and to know menstrual pattern and menstrual hygiene practice & to find out the prevalence and types of menstrual disorders. Materials and Methods: Present cross sectional study was carried out at Govt. High school of Bhavnagar city. Total 745 Adolescent school girls were interviewed by trained female interns Information was obtained in a self administered proforma in a local language related to age of menarche, total days of bleeding, regularity of cycle, menstrual hygiene and menstrual problems after verbal consent. Results: The mean age of menarche was found to be about 14 (13.99, S.D. 1.8). Most of the girls (88.1%) had the prior information about menstruation before the occurrence of the event. The most common menstrual pattern was 30/3-5 days. The most common menstrual disorder was dysmenorrhea (50.6%), followed by irregular menstruation (22.9%). Most of the girls (87.3 %) used old plain cloth as menstrual absorbent. Conclusion: Adolescent girls should be made educated about normal physiology of menstruation and menstrual hygiene at schools.