Publication:

Prevalence and factors associated with school absenteeism during menstruation among higher secondary female students in Kannur district: a school based cross-sectional study

Background Adolescence marks transition from childhood to adulthood involving physical, cognitive, psycho-social and emotional changes. School absenteeism is a significant issue that affects academic performance and overall well-being of students. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the prevalence of school absenteeism among adolescent girls, particularly in developing countries. Menstrual disorders have been identified as the leading cause of school absenteeism, which seriously impacted their academic achievement. But, in India there are only limited studies on the topic, especially in Kerala. So, this study aims to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with school absenteeism during menstruation.

Methods School based cross-sectional study conducted among 624 higher secondary female students in Kannur district. Stratified random sampling was done among all higher secondary schools based on their location and management type. Data was collected using a self-administered pretested semi structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 21. Results were expressed in terms of frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact tests were used to test association.

Results The median age of the population was 17 (±1) years. Median age at menarche was 13 (±1) years. Among the 624 participants prevalence of school absenteeism during menstruation was 59.8%. Most common reason was pain, followed by tiredness, discomfort etc. Significant factors associated were academic stream, age group, residence, menorrhagia.

Conclusions Prevalence of school absenteeism during menstruation was 59.8%. Most common reasons for absenteeism were pain and tiredness. Significant associations were noted between age, academic stream, location of school, residence, age at menarche, presence of menorrhagia.