Publication:

Cross-sectional interview-based study on profile of menstrual cycles and menstrual hygiene among undergraduate medical students in a metropolitan city

Background Taboos, socio-cultural restrictions, misconceptions and unhygienic practices associated with menstruation may cause adverse health outcomes. The mode of imparting information about menstruation may influence a girl’s beliefs and attitude towards menstruation in later years. Aims and Objectives of the study were to assess the profile of menstrual cycles and menstrual hygiene among undergraduate medical students.

Methods After obtaining requisite permissions and explaining the purpose of the study, written informed consent was obtained from willing participants. All participants were interviewed by the same female investigator using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and the responses were statistically analyzed.

Results The age at menarche ranged from 9-16 years (median=13 years). During menarche, the primary sources of information were mothers, teachers and elder sisters for 89.15% respondents. The mean duration of menstrual bleeding was 4.74 days (SD=1.11 days). Peri-menstrual symptoms included fatigue, craving for certain foods, breast tenderness and mental irritability. Those with irregular menses had higher likelihood (OR=2.567) of experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. 59.09% resorted to self-medication. The frequency of changing sanitary pads and cleaning genital area during menses was inadequate in many respondents.

Conclusions Despite being medical students, many resorted to self-medication for menstrual problems and had inadequate menstrual hygiene.