Publication:

A cross-sectional study to assess the impact of dietary and lifestyle behaviour on menstrual patterns in medical students of GRMC Gwalior city, Madhya Pradesh, India

Background Menstrual health is an important indicator of reproductive well-being. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to menstrual irregularities due to stress and lifestyle factors. To assess menstrual patterns and their association with dietary and lifestyle factors among female medical students.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 183 female undergraduate medical students at Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, from November 2024 to January 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, menstrual history, BMI, diet, physical activity, stress, and sleep. Dysmenorrhea severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi 2.6.26, with Chi-square test and p<0.05 considered significant.

Results Most participants (70.2%) attained menarche at 12–15 years. Normal BMI was observed in 56.9%, while 70.7% reported no physical exercise and 80.1% experienced stress. Irregular menstrual cycles were present in 53.6% of students. Significant associations were found between menstrual irregularity and BMI (p=0.003), physical activity (p=0.023), study duration (p<0.001), and dysmenorrhea (p<0.001). Junk food consumption and stress were not significantly associated.

Conclusion Menstrual irregularities are common among medical students and are significantly associated with modifiable lifestyle factors such as BMI, physical inactivity, and prolonged study duration. Early lifestyle interventions are essential to improve menstrual health.