European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Important features of female existence include menarche and menstruation. Teenage females struggle to manage menstruation, even though it is a natural physiological function. This study tried to assess the physical health profile of adolescents and different variables affecting their physical health and menstrual health and their hygiene in adolescent girls in Warangal urban studying in socio welfare residential school.
Methods: The minimum population size required was n=320 we have included n=500 subjects in the study. The selected females were explained about the protocol and the purpose of the study and were requested to complete the pre-test and a validated semi-structured questionnaire was used. The questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of menstruation, menstrual patterns and habits, cleanliness followed, and lastly, any limits followed during menstruation.
Results: Among study subjects n=80 (16%) members attain menarche at 11 years of age, n=195 (39%) members attained at age of 12 years, n=140(28%) members attained at 13 years, n=20 (4%) members at 14 years, n=65 (13%) members not attained yet. Among study subjects, n=25 (5%) members have dental caries (figure 2). The mean age of menarche was 13.5 ± 1.5 years. In the study subjects, n=5(1.1%) members have oligo, n=10(2.3%) members have polymenorrhea, n=15(3.4%) members have menorrhagia, n=25(5.7%) members dysmenorrhea.
Conclusion: The incidence of dysmenorrhea is increasing in the population. Although the majority of females in the study were satisfactory as far as menstrual hygiene practices are concerned. However, false perceptions, ignorance and unsafe practices during menstruation are still prevailing in a small proportion of respondents. Most of the females agreed that they wanted additional information.