MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS (10-19YEARS) IN THE PRIMARY CARE SETTING

Abstract

Background: Menstrual problems are common among adolescent girls which can affect their daily routine and quality of life. Early detection and intervention for the menstrual problems can improve future reproductive health. Aims: To nd the prevalence and type of menstrual disorders, premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder among adolescents in the primary care setting. This was a community based cross sectional survey done covering Materials and methods: the whole of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala..Anganwadis were the primary data collecting units, selected by systematic random sampling. Data was collected using pretested structured questionnaire and validated premenstrual symptoms screening tool. Mean, standard deviation and simple percentage were used. Chi square test was used for nding associations and signicance level. P value <0.05 was taken as signicant. The most common reported Results: problems during menstruation were dysmenorrhoea (73.6%), moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (13.5%), oligomenorrhoea (12.5%), menorrhagia (8.4%) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (6.2%).The prevalence of menstrual problems increased as the age increased Conclusions: Majority of adolescents suffer from one or other menstrual problem which can affect their academic and social life. It can also affect their future reproductive health. So school health programs should give emphasis on adolescent menstrual health for a healthy future generation.