Menstrual Pattern and Prevalence of Menstrual Disorders among Women and Adolescent Girls Residing in the Rural Area of Central India, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Menstruation is a natural, normal biological process experienced by all adolescent girls and women in reproductive age. Aim & Objectives: The aim of study is to determine the patterns of menstruation and identify the prevalence of common menstrual disorders among women of reproductive age groups residing in the rural areas. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, total 171 participants were enrolled; the desired information was collected by personal interview with a self designed questionnaire that contained information regarding demographic parameters and menstrual cycle characteristics and prevalence of menstrual problems. Statistical data analysis was performed with Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and expressed in numbers and percentages. Results: The age of menarche in majority of participants 79 (46.19%) was between 12-13 years; menstrual cycles were regular in 129 (75.43%) and irregular in 42 (24.56%) subjects. 117 (68.42%) females reported 3-5 days blood flow during menstruation, 24 (14.03%) less than 3 days and 30 (17.54%) had more than 5 days of menstruation. 12 (7.01%) girls reported scanty blood loss, 135 (78.94%) medium blood flow and 24 (14.03%) heavy blood flow, cycle length was shorter than 21 days in 36 (21.05%), between 21-35 days in 123 (71.93%) and longer than 35 days in 12 (7.01%). The overall prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 102 (59.64%). Dysmenorrhoea affected daily activities in 90 (52.63%) participants. Premenstrual symptoms were present in 113 (66.08%) girls. Conclusion: The result of study concluded that significant number of participants had irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal duration of blood flow and abnormal amount of blood loss during menstruation. PMS and dysmenorrhoea were the most common menstrual disorders.