Prevalence of Menstrual Disorders among School and College-Going Adolescents in an Urban Metropolitan Setting of Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57125/FEM.2026.06.30.02Keywords:
Menstrual Disorder, Dysmenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Metrorrhagia, Menstrual Health, Logistic Regression.Abstract
Aims: To determine the prevalence and pattern of menstrual disorders and identify associated socio-demographic and anthropometric factors among school and college-going adolescents in an urban metropolitan setting.
Methods: Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among school and college students in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, between June and September 2025.
Methods:
A total of 15,120 post-menarche school and college-going girls aged 15-21 years participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual history, and associated symptoms. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline characteristics. Associations between menstrual disorders and categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test. Differences in age and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated using non-parametric tests. Variables with statistical significance were further examined using multivariable binary logistic regression to identify independent predictors.
Results: Dysmenorrhea was the most commonly reported menstrual disorder. Significant associations were observed between menstrual disorders and age category, socio-economic status, type of institution, and educational level (p < 0.001). Age and BMI were independently associated with several menstrual disorders in multivariable analysis. Increasing age was associated with higher odds of dysmenorrhea and metrorrhagia, whereas younger age showed greater association with menorrhagia and oligomenorrhea. Higher BMI demonstrated significant associations with dysmenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. However, the overall predictive contribution of age and BMI remained modest.
Scientific Novelty: Large-sample analysis identifying key socio-demographic and BMI-related predictors of menstrual disorders in adolescents.
Conclusion: Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among adolescents and young women and are influenced by multiple socio-demographic and biological factors. Strengthening early screening, menstrual health education, and targeted interventions within educational settings may improve menstrual health and overall well-being among adolescents.
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