article · Reproductive Health
Menstrual irregularity affects many young women, but past research has shown varying prevalence figures due to inconsistent definitions. A cross-sectional investigation evaluated the extent and contributing factors of irregular menstrual cycles among undergraduate female students at Debre Berhan University in Ethiopia. Using stratified sampling, physical examinations, anthropometric assessments, and self-administered questionnaires, data were gathered from 620 students. The analysis established that 32.6 percent of the participants experienced menstrual irregularity. Several physiological and behavioural factors demonstrated significant associations with the condition. These risk factors included anaemia, alcohol consumption, high perceived stress, being underweight, and iodine deficiency disorder. Sleep duration also played a notable role, with students sleeping fewer than five hours exhibiting the highest risk. The findings indicate a comparatively lower prevalence than previously reported, highlighting the influence of modifiable lifestyle and nutritional conditions on menstrual health.
Menstrual health is an essential indicator of overall female reproductive and physical well-being. Identifying how everyday lifestyle habits, mental stress, and nutritional deficiencies correlate with cycle disruptions enables universities and health practitioners to design targeted wellness interventions. Addressing these specific risk factors can help young women manage their reproductive health more effectively during demanding academic periods.
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BACKGROUND: Menstrual irregularity is a common problem among women aged from 21 to 25 years. Previously published work on menstrual irregularity used inconsistent definition which results in a difference in prevalence. Therefore the study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was carried out among 660 undergraduate female students at Debre Berhan University. To get representative study participants, a stratified sampling technique was used. To collect the data self-administered questionnaire was used. Physical examination and anthropometric measurement were also done. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression analysis was done. A significant association was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. RESULT: A total of 620 students participated in the present study with a response rate of 93.9%. Out of the total study participants, 32.6% (95% CI 29-36.5) participants had irregular menstrual cycle. Significant association was found between anemia (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI 1.337-3.441), alcohol intake (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI 1.25-4.666), < 5 sleep hours (AOR = 5.4; 95%CI 2.975-9.888), 6-7 sleep hours (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI 1.291-2.907), Perceived stress (AOR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.8322-5.940), iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) (AOR = 3.9; 95%CI 1.325-11.636) and underweight (AOR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.109-2.847) with menstrual irregularity. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study reported a low magnitude of menstrual irregularity as compared to previous studies. Students should adopt healthier lifestyle practices (weight control, stress control, anemia control, and avoid alcohol intake) to control menstrual irregularity.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01156-1
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