PREVALENCE OF MENSTRUAL DISORDERS AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Menstrual Disorders (MSD) are physical or emotional problem which affects the normal menstrual cycle resulting in pain, unusually heavy or light bleeding and lack of menstruation. They are one of the most occurring gynaecologic issues that affect women of child bearing age with a global prevalence of 30-70% among young females and it is one of the frequent reasons women consult physician all over the world. Menstrual disorders are common cause of morbidity among females and often bring about anxiety for the individual and their families. Therefore this study investigated the prevalence of menstrual disorders and health seeking behavior among female undergraduate students of University of Ibadan. A descriptive cross sectional study was employed in this study and three hundred and eighty one (381) female undergraduate students who are registered residents of the school female hostels were selected through a three stage sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured self administered questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information, knowledge of menstrual disorders, prevalence, associated risk factors and health seeking behaviour of the respondents. Also the knowledge questions was analyzed using a 31 point scale categorized as poor knowledge which is a score of ≤10, fair knowledge >10-20 and good knowledge 21-31. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 20; also statistical significant tests were conducted using descriptive analysis at P<0.05. The mean age of the respondents is 20.5±2.7 and the mean age at menarche is 12.9±1.8. Majority (79.3%) of the respondents had good knowledge of menstrual disorders and the overall prevalence of menstrual disorders among the respondents was 90.4%. Polymenorrhea was reported by 28% and days of menstrual flow was abnormal in 15.7% with 15.2% of the respondents having irregular cycle length. Prevalence of menorrhagia was reported by 20.7% and about 39% of the respondents reported ever missing their period in a cycle (amenorrhea). Pre-menstrual syndrome (72.2%) and dysmenorrhea (70.8%) were the most prevalent menstrual disorders among the respondents. Some of the respondents reported having the associated risk factors of menstrual disorders. Only a few (28.3%) have sought help for menstrual disorders and this help was sought from different sources with self help being the highest source of help. There was a significant relationship between level of study and knowledge of MSD (P=0.016), knowledge of MSD and health seeking behaviour (P=0.001). Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among younger females of child bearing age in our environment; the role of mass media (internet) in health education is very acknowledgeable but should not be used to substitute medical care in delicate health matters, thus appropriate medical help should be sought when the need arises.