Influence of anthropometric measures and socio-demographic factors on menstrual pain and irregular menstrual cycles among university students in Bangladesh

Bibliographic Data

ID6135436
AuthorsGolam Hossain (0000-0002-3822-5489, University of Malaya), Md Golam Hossain (University of Malaya), Sabiruzzaman (0000-0002-9190-8430, University of Malaya), MD SABIRUZZAMAN (University of Malaya), Saima Islam (University of Rajshahi), Raja Zyroul Hisyam (University of Malaya), Pete E Lestrel (Sections of Orthodontics and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles), Tunku Kamarul (0000-0002-6028-1313, University of Malaya)
Year2011
Volume119
Issue3
Pages239-246
Publication date2011-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnthropological Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0918-7960 • E-ISSN: 1348-8570
PublisherAnthropological Society of Nippon (PUBLISHER • JP)
DOI10.1537/ase.100903
OpenAlexW2021265147
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited21

Menstrual disturbances generally affect the daily activities of young females. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of anthropometric measures and sociodemographic factors on menstrual disturbances among university students in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 995 students from Rajshahi University using a stratified sampling technique between July 2004 and May 2005. Factors influencing menstrual pain and irregular menstrual cycles were examined with multiple logistic regression analysis. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was also used to determine the most influential factors affecting menstrual disturbances. The prevalence of menstrual pain among the university students studied was very high (72.3%), while the experience of irregular menstrual cycles was very low (12.9%). Multiple logistic regressions demonstrated that menstrual pain was affected by early age at menarche, early birth order, longer length of menstrual flow and high family income. Students suffering from irregular menstrual cycles displayed a delay in menarche, longer duration of menstrual flow and larger body mass index (BMI) values. Moreover, stepwise logistic regression showed that age at menarche, birth order, duration of menstrual flow and family income were the most important factors influencing menstrual pain. Age at menarche, duration of menstrual flow and BMI were found to be the most important factors affecting irregular menstrual cycles. These results suggest that age at menarche and duration of menstrual flow are significant common factors which affect menstrual pain and irregular menstrual cycles. Consequently, menstrual disturbance can be considered as one of the major health problems of Bangladeshi university female students and requires attention

Anthropometry · Body mass index · Hormone · Logistic regression · Menarche · Menstrual cycle · Menstruation · Obstetrics · Stepwise regression · Demography · Endometriosis Research and Treatment · Medicine · Menstrual Health and Disorders · Endocrinology · Internal Medicine