Prevalence and pattern of menstrual problems and relationship with some factors among Saudi nursing students

Abstract

Background: Menstrual problems affect not only women, but also families, social and national economy as well. These problems for women in developing countries who may face life-threatening conditions are considered as minor health concern. Identification of abnormal menstrual patterns throughout adolescence may permit early identification of potential health concerns for adulthood. Nurses play a key role central to public education and prevention on menstrual hygiene among female adolescents.

Methods: Analytic method based on cross sectional survey was undertaken on 342 nursing students in Al Khobar city. Taking in consideration the ethical issues the data collected by using a valid, self-administered questionnaire including close ended questions to assess the menstrual patterns and prevalence of menstrual problems among Saudi nursing students also to examine any relationship between the menstrual problems with the demographic data and menarcheal age.

Results: Serious percentages of students  who were suffered from many kinds of menstrual problems, some significant relationships between menstrual problems and some factors such as the  academic year, marital status, menarcheal age, and mother education level found but not with age.

Conclusions: The findings reported high prevalence of menstrual problems and their implication on the quality of life, this indicates the importance of the health team role especially the nurse in health education about menstrual problems targeting the community as well as teaching about female reproductive system and its function in the schools that could contribute in early detection of the menstrual dysfunctions.