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Spectrum of menstrual disorder and health conciousness of adolescent school going girls: A comparative study between the extremes of two socio-economic group

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Original Article

Author Details : Pramila Jena, Shana Andalib, Swetaparna Khuntia, Abhipsa Mishra

Volume : 4, Issue : 3, Year : 2017

Article Page : 235-239

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Abstract

Introduction and Background: Two important aspect of female reproductive health is menarche and menstruation. Various menstrual dysfunctions such as dysmenorrhoea is quite common and significantly affects the quality of female life. Adolescents constitute the most vulnerable group because of their shy nature, ignorance and reluctance to seek medical advice. Present study aims to find out the prevalence of menstrual disorder and health seeking behavior of adolescent school girls in extreme of two socio economic group.
Materials and Method: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire based study conducted on 600 adolescent school going girls from two senior secondary school at Bhubaneshwar, Odisha which represent two diverse socioeconomic group.
They were asked to complete a pretested and validated 30 point structured questionnaire anonymously. Data regarding age of menarche, menstrual pattern, menstrual complaints, it’s impact on daily activities, source of information and reason to seek medical treatment, were noted.
Results: The mean age of menarche in high socio economic (H.S.E) group is 11. 8 years and in low socio economic (L.S.E group) was 12.7 years. Majority in higher and lower SES group had regular cycle (64% versus 76.09%) with cycle length of 21 to 35 days (66% versus 96.97%). The most prevalent menstrual symptoms were dysmenorrhoea (60% versus 52%). 89.9% LSE group feel that their knowledge regarding reproductive health is inadequate. Only a few of them (38% versus 13.45%) saught advice for their menstrual problems and the source of advice were mostly friends and mother. 56% versus 11.7% in both group received medical treatment. School absentism was noted in 17% versus 9.76% and restricted sports activities in 49% versus 44.78%.
Interpretation and Conclusion: Menstrual problems are a significant cause of suffering in adolescent girls, which is further aggravated by inadequate knowledge, lack of information and their reluctance to seek medical advice when needed. To prevent this trend appropriate health education measures which can improve their understanding and break the barrier to seek medical advice are essential.

Keywords: Adolescence, Menarche, Menstrual pattern, Menstrual hygiene, Health seeking behaviour, Socio-ecnomic class

How to cite : Jena P, Andalib S, Khuntia S, Mishra A, Spectrum of menstrual disorder and health conciousness of adolescent school going girls: A comparative study between the extremes of two socio-economic group. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res 2017;4(3):235-239

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