A study of demographic profile and menstrual morbidities among adolescent female patients visitingr a tertiary cae center

Abstract

Aim- 1) To study the demographic profile, prevalence and type of menstrual morbidities amongst 13-19 year adolescent females attending gynaecology OPD at a tertiary care government general hospital in an urban area. 2) To study the awareness on physical changes & menstruation in adolescent girls in urban area. 3) To assess their knowledge on contraceptive methods.4) To study hygiene practices followed during menstruation. 5) To Treat the patients and suggest suitable recommendations based on study findings, for the future. 

Background- The Latin word ‘Adolescere’ means to grow to maturity. One fifth of the world population is between 10-19 yrs old and 85% of them live in developing countries. There are very few studies on prevalence and pattern of gynaecological health morbidities amongst late adolescent female patients.

Material Methods- It is a Prospective Observational Clinical Study in a Tertiary care Centre and Teaching Institute in Urban India. Variables observed were socio-demography, menstrual morbidities and knowledge about contraception, in study patients. Chi square test of significance was applied where relevent.

Results- Out of 120, maximum patients were unmarried from low socioeconomic, large (more than 4) family. The literacy rate was 70%. Out of 120 patients, maximum (34%) attained menarche at 12 years, 62% had regular cycles and most of them used homemade cloth for hygiene during menses. The commonest menstrual morbidity was dysmenorrhoea (73%). The commonest premenstrual symptom was pain in abdomen. Thirty four percent patients had moderate to severe anaemia. Forty percent girls had some knowledge about contraception and most of them acquired it from Television. The most known method of contraception was OC pills and all patients with the knowledge felt it is available at all hospitals and chemists.

Conclusion- Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health(ARSH) OPD services are needed at all women care centres as these group of patients need special attention for their complaints and focused care and counseling of these young patients would be a great investment for future health of them & their families and the society & nation as a large.