Background: There are several problems associated with menstruation. Common problems are dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual irregularities. These problems significantly lower the quality of life in adolescents.
Aims & Objectives: Present study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the frequency of dysmenorrhea and PMS and the effect of dysmenorrhea and PMS on school attendance and daily activities of adolescent girls and their treatment seeking pattern.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in Government high schools in rural field practice area of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India. All girls studying in high schools who had attained menarche were included in the study. Totally 304 subjects fulfilled inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, chi square test and odds ratio.
Results: Dysmenorrhea was reported by 183 (60.19%) study subjects and PMS was reported by 159 (52.30%) subjects. During menstruation, 208 (68.42%) study subjects reported that they could not attend school, 196 (65.13%) reported that they could not concentrate on studies, 181 (60%) reported inability to participate in sport activities. Whereas 235 (77.30%) reported inability to carry out household activities like cooking and 76 (25%) study subjects did not attend any social gatherings.
Conclusion: More than half of study subjects suffered from dysmenorrhea and PMS which significantly affected school attendance and daily routine activities. Comprehensive health education regarding menstruation, awareness regarding menstrual problems and the treatment available for these problems should be provided at schools.
Key words: Menstruation; Dysmenorrhea; Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS); School Absenteeism; Routine Activities
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