Assessment of Menstruation Related Problems Among Undergraduate Female Students in SPHMMC, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adult life during which pubertal development and sexual maturation take place, thus making physiological development a challenge adolescents have to face. There is a substantial lacuna in the knowledge towards menstruation among adolescent girls. Menstrual hygiene and management is an issue that is insufficiently acknowledged and has not received adequate attention. Objective: the aim of the study was to assess menstruation related Problems among undergraduate Female adolescent students in SPHMMC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: An institution based cross-sectional study design was used to assess menstruation related Problems among undergraduate Female adolescent students in SPHMMC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The data that was to utilized in this research was primary data which was obtained from students who are candidates to fill standard questionnaires which are designed to satisfactorily test menstrual related problems. Descriptive statistical methods were used to generate frequencies for categorical variables and to summarize frequencies using graphical methods. Chi2 test statics was done to test association between dependent variable and different independent variables. P-value of < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval was used to test significance. That was done using IBM SPSS version 20.0. In order to minimize error during filling the questionnaire a brief orientation was given by the collectors earlier. Result: There were 134 students from year one to year three selected for the study. Absenteeism due to menstruation related health problems was found in 84(64.9%) of the students ranging from one day to four days every time when the occurrence of menstruation coincided with week days. Experiencing menstruation related health problem has changed pursuing of class performances. There is statistically significant relationship between menses related problems and school performance. (p=0.007, chi square=7.227) The odds of difficulty of pursuing class during menstruation is 3.3 times more with girls who have menstrual related problems than not. Conclusion: the study revealed the prevailing situation around menstruation in medical school adolescent girls. Absenteeism due to menstruation related health problems was found in 84(64.9%) of the students ranging from one day to four days every time when the occurrence of menstruation coincided with week days. their knowledge about menstrual cycle seems to be efficient with good practice towards management of menstrual problems but unprepared psychosocially. Because of small sample size, the findings from the study cannot be generalized. the findings from this study could be the initiating point for other studies Key words: adolescent, menstruation, menstrual related problems, menstrual hygiene