A Clinic-Demographic Profile and Assessment of Menstrual Problems of Adolescent Girls Attending Tertiary Care Facility

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Abstract (English)

Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to observe the menstrual disorders among adolescent girls and to
observe the demographic profile and assess hygiene practices during menstruation.
Material & Methods: This descriptive prospective study was conducted in adolescent girls attending
gynaecology outpatient Department of obstetrics and Gynaecology, JLNMCH, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India for the
period of one year. During the study period, 100 girls visiting OPD for menstrual disorders consented for study
participation and were enrolled.
Results: Adolescent girls age group ranged from 10-19 years. 56% of girls belonged to age group 14-16 years,
with the mean age of 15.5 ±1.3 years. The mean age of menarche was 13.7 ±0.94 years. Majority of girls
attained menarche between 12-14 years of age. The inter-menstrual period among majority of girls (72%) was
21-35 days, followed by more than 35 days in 16% and less than 21 days in 12%. The duration of menstruation
cycle was 3-5 days in 77% girls, with moderate flow in 68% girls. In menstrual symptoms, almost all girls
(94%) experienced abdominal pain/cramps. Backache (43%), body ache (32%) & irritability (27%) were other
common symptoms. Sanitary pads were used by 85% girls and remaining girls used both sanitary pads and
cloth. Majority of girls (71%) changed their absorbent less than 4 times. 75% girls cleaned their genitalia less
than 4 times and 57% used soap & water for the same. The most common presenting complaint was
dysmenorrhea (76%) among adolescent girls. Percentage of menorrhagia, irregular menses and polymenorrhoea
was almost equal and ranged from 7-9%.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhoea was the commonest cause of morbidity among adolescent girls, which may affect
their mental and social wellbeing. This may also result in significant school absenteeism. Though, use of sterile
sanitary pads was seen in majority of the girls, hygiene practices may be further improved with the engagement
of health care professionals, teachers, and community groups.