Menstrual Problems in Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study in a Medical College of North India
Indu Verma, Gaurika Joshi, D.K. Sood, RK Soni
Abstract
Introduction: Regular menstruation symbolizes a normal reproductive health of woman; however, virtually all women experience some form of menstrual problem in their lifetime. Medical undergraduates are mostly in the age group of late adolescence and early twenties. Females in this age group frequently experience different menstrual problems that commonly affect their quality of life. These disorders may be so severe that they influence the routine physical activity of the girls and also force them to skip their classes. Aim: This study was done to determine the menstrual pattern, menstrual problems, and associated factors among undergraduate medical students. Materials and methods: This college-based cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 183 unmarried undergraduate female medical students. They were asked to fill and return a semi-structured self-explanatory questionnaire prepared in English containing details of sociodemography, menstrual history and menstrual problems, diet, and exercise. Results: Mean age of menarche was 13.37 1.40 years, and most of them were residing in the hostel. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was the most common menstrual problem faced by the students (85.24%), and mood swing being the commonest symptom noted in 132 participants. Dysmenorrhea was seen in 111 (60.66%) out of which 68 needed some form of medication and 12 reported absenteeism from the college. An abnormal bleeding pattern was reported by 89 (48.63%). In our study, 73.22% students were doing regular exercise and 71.04% were consuming unhealthy diet. Students doing regular exercise had less prevalence of dysmenorrhea, which was statistically significant (p = 0.032). Dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with PMS (p = 0.022) and severity of PMS (p = 0.001). There was no significant association of dysmenorrhea with the menstrual cycle pattern, BMI, or food. No significant association of PMS or its severity was noted with menstrual cycle, BMI, food, or exercise. Oligomenorrhea was significantly associated with normal BMI (p = 0.019).