Investigating the Age of Menarche, Dysmenorrhea and Menstrual Characteristics in High School Girl Students in Mashhad City in Year 2011

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 M.Sc. of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: The onset of menstruation is the most important developmental event of reproductive system in girls that is considered foundation for women's health care in reproductive age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age of menarche, dysmenorrhea and menstrual characteristics in high school girl students.
Methods: This descriptive-cross sectional study was performed on 407 high-school girl in Mashhad city in year 2011. Sampling was two-stage method. Study tools included: demographic/family/health behavioral questionnaire, 10 point visual analogue scale, Higham chart and menstrual characteristics questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 14 and descriptive tests including mean, standard deviation and frequency. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Mean age of menarche was 12.78±1.1 years with minimum age of 10 years and maximum age of 15 years. 227 girls (55.8%) had dysmenorrhea that 12.3% of them had mild pain (scores 0-3), 60.4% had moderate pain (scores 4-7) and 27.3% had severe pain (scores 8-10). Also mean (±SD) of cycle duration was 6.8±1.6 days, length of period was 28.06±8.57 days and amount of bleeding was 131.3±1.13 cc.
Conclusion: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea and some menstrual disorders is high in students while the age of menarche has dropped compared to previous studies.
 

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