Menstrual Disorders Among Nursing Students at Al Neelain University, Khartoum State

Abstract

Background: Menstrual disorders can severely affect the daily life of young females, particularly the student population, which generates a massive tension that extends to families, but they seldom affect the quality and standard of life. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the morbidity nature of menstrual disorders among nursing students and their effect on students’ life activities. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional institutional-based study conducted at the Al Neelain University, Faculty of Nursing. Of the 200 students recruited, 149 completed the questionnaire with the responding rate of (74.5%). Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 149 participants, most were young and in the age range of 18–24 years with a mean age of 21 years. Most students (74%) started their menarche at a normal age range of 12–15 years. A relatively high dysmenorrhea (94.0 %)  was observed  among the participants. More than half of the respondents (55.0%) had irregular menstruation. Conclusion: The authors concluded that the prevalence and morbidity of dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularity were high but broadly comparable to those observed in similar developing countries. Therefore, national health policies need to consider the health and educational impact of menstrual disorders on nursing students and develop the plan through a change in students’ lifestyle; moreover, school authorities and teachers need to be aware of the problems to provide psychological and academic support. Keywords: morbidities, dysmenorrhea prevalence, menstrual disorders, nursing students, irregular menstruation