Menstrual disorders and medical counseling among schoolgirls in South Egypt: a cross-sectional study

Research Abstract

Background: Menstrual disorders are common gynecological problems among adolescents, however, medical counseling for these disorders is not well documented in developing countries. Objectives: This study aimed to assess medical counseling for menstrual disorders among schoolgirls in Beni- Suef city in South Egypt. Methods: Using a multi-stage random sampling, a total of 970 preparatory schoolgirls were included in this study. We used a self-administered questionnaire to detect the premenstrual and menstrual disorders as reported by the schoolgirls during the previous 6 months. Medical counseling for the menstrual disorders and other demographic characteristics were also surveyed. Results: The mean age of the schoolgirls was 15.4 ± 0.8 years, age of menarche 13.2 ± 1.1 years and menstrual flow days 5.0 ± 1.3. During the past 6 months, 19.4% of the schoolgirls reported medical counseling for at least one menstrual symptom. Dysmenorrhea (89.2%), premenstrual fatigue (32.4%) and headache (31.1%) were the most often reported symptoms. After adjustment for personal and gynecological characters, abdominal bloating [odds ratio (OR) 3.66; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.18–6.17], flow days >4 (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.21–2.47), acne flare (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.01–1.99), dysuria (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.35–3.22) and facial hair (OR 6.89; 95% CI 3.47–13.69) were associated significantly with a higher likelihood of medical counseling. Conclusion: Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among preparatory schoolgirls in Beni-Suef, however, there is a noticeable lack of the medical counseling for these disorders. Future research should focus on the barriers to medical counseling for menstrual disorders among adolescents.

Research Keywords

dysmenorrhea, medical counseling, menstrual disorders, schoolgirls