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Lifestyle and Prevalence of Menstrual Disorders among Undergraduate Medical and Nursing Students: Can We Bring a Change?

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Abstract

Objectives

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon, but sometimes the abnormalities and pain associated with it can severely affect the daily routine of women and may create a stressful environment for them. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the pattern of menstruation, lifestyle and the outlook toward menstruation among undergraduate female medical and nursing students.

Methods

It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among the undergraduate medical and nursing students of a tertiary care Institute. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Of the 400 students approached, 188 completed the questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 21.23 ± 1.47 years. The mean age of menarche was 12.65 ± 1.24 years among the medical students and 13.69 ± 1.38 years among the nursing students (P < 0.05). Overall, the common menstrual abnormalities observed were dysmenorrhea (71.2%) and premenstrual syndrome (70.2%) followed by menstrual irregularity (14.8%). On correlating lifestyle with menstrual abnormalities, no significant association was found. However, the most common reason for college absenteeism in both groups was dysmenorrhea and fear of unexpected heavy bleeding.

Conclusion

Despite having a medical background and knowledge about the physiology of menstruation, medical and nursing students do carry certain myths regarding menstruation which are being carried forward in society. Small roleplays in the OPD (Outpatient Department) area and public awareness lectures should be planned. They will not only develop confidence and better understanding among the students but also create social awareness.

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Author notes

  1. Shreya Krishna & Payal Patwa

    Present address: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342005, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342005, India

    Pratibha Singh, Charu Sharma, Shreya Krishna, Vibha Mishra, Garima Yadav, Payal Patwa, Meenakshi Gothwal & Manisha Jhirwal

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  1. Pratibha Singh
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Correspondence to Charu Sharma.

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Taken vide letter no. AIIMS/IEC/2018/435. The authors have complied with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki regarding ethical conduct of research involving human subjects and/or animals.

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Singh, P., Sharma, C., Krishna, S. et al. Lifestyle and Prevalence of Menstrual Disorders among Undergraduate Medical and Nursing Students: Can We Bring a Change?. J Obstet Gynecol India 72 (Suppl 1), 326–333 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-021-01606-7

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