A study on menstrual abnormalities among undergraduate students of medical college, Kolkata

ABSTRACT

Background: Menstruation is a taboo subject among adolescents girl; lack of knowledge regarding the menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and menstrual abnormalities has significant negative influence on young women. Most of the time menstrual abnormalities were not reported timely resulting in their late diagnosis as well as intervention, burdening adolescents and young adult women physically and mentally. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the menstrual patterns, abnormalities, effects of these abnormalities on the student population in form of social withdrawal, sickness absenteeism, and degrading academic performances. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on menstrual abnormalities among 187 undergraduate students of Medical College Kolkata was conducted to illuminate menstrual problems and its effects on their regular activities. By systematic random sampling technique participants were selected. Questions were related to menstruation, variations in menstrual patterns, dysmenorrhea and its severity, premenstrual symptom, family and medical history in relation to menstrual abnormalities, social withdrawal, monthly sickness absenteeism and degrading of academic performances. Results: The mean age of subjects at menarche was 13.19 ± 0.931 years. Of all the abnormalities, dysmenorrhea was the highest with 84% of prevalence, followed by pre-menstrual symptom with prevalence of 68.4%. Social withdrawal (17.8%), college absenteeism (5.7%), and degrading of academic performance (8.2%) were reported among the students. Conclusion: Menstrual abnormalities must be promptly diagnosed and treated, and students must get counseling addressing these issues if they are to improve their health and quality of life and reduce their chances of developing further illnesses.