Prevalence and Impact of Menstrual Abnormalities on Lifestyle, Academic, and Social Activities among Nursing Students in Anambra State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Menstrual abnormalities are common among young women and can impact their quality of life, academic performance, and social activities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities, and associated risk factors among female university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 161 female students. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual parameters, prevalence of menstrual abnormalities, impact on daily activities, and symptomatic relief practices were collected using stratified simple random sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. The majority of respondents were aged 21-25 years (64%), mean age of 22.18, predominantly Igbo (97.5%), and in their third year of study (88.2%). Most respondents (72%) reported a regular 28-day menstrual cycle with an average bleeding duration of 4.01 ± 0.58 days. The prevalence of menstrual abnormalities was high, with 82% of respondents reporting issues such as premenstrual syndrome (90.7%) and dysmenorrhea (41%). These abnormalities significantly affected academic and social activities; 46% of respondents missed 1-2 classes due to menstrual issues, and 42.2% had to cancel social events. Symptomatic relief practices included sleep (47.2%), pain medication (35.4%), and dietary changes (15.5%). Significant associations were found between dysmenorrhea and sleep duration (p = 0.01), irregular cycles and alcohol consumption (p = 0.03), and the impact of menstrual abnormalities with exercise frequency (p = 0.01), caffeine consumption (p < 0.01), and alcohol intake (p = 0.03). Menstrual abnormalities were prevalent among our respondents and have a significant impact on their daily lives. Lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption as well as frequency of exercise are associated with the severity of these abnormalities (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the need for improved menstrual health education and support services for young women to manage these conditions effectively.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Henry Nwude Chukwunonso, Dr. Reuben Elijah Moses, Dr. Gibson Ifechukwude Chiejine, Dr. Hilary Ogochukwu Hilary, Dr. Malachy Chiemerie Ndukwu, Dr. Delight Obiora-Ilouno, Dr. Ade Salami Isenalumhe, Dr. Mark Imhonikhe Ogbiti, Dr. Jedidiah B. S Afekhobe, Dr. Uzoma Chidi Okereke , Prof. Chika Ubajaka, Dr. Ezenyeaku Chijioke, Dr. Emeka Ekene (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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