Magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Menstrual irregularity is a common problem among women aged from 21 to 25years. 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 analysiswas 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 2936.5) participants had irregular menstrual cycle. Significant association was found between anemia (AOR=2.1; 95%CI 1.3373.441), alcohol intake (AOR=2.4; 95%CI 1.254.666),<5 sleep hours (AOR=5.4; 95%CI 2.9759.888), 67 sleep hours (AOR=1.9; 95%CI 1.2912.907), Perceived stress (AOR=3.3; 95%CI 1.83225.940), iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) (AOR=3.9; 95%CI 1.32511.636) and underweight (AOR=1.8; 95%CI 1.1092.847) 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.

Plain language summary

Menstrual irregularity is a common problem among university students. It affects their daily activities. But it lacks attention, especially in developing countries. Additionally, menstrual irregularity is defined differently by different researchers which results in a difference in prevalence. So it is difficult to compare. Therefore this study aims to assess the magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia. To avoid the inconsistent definition of menstrual irregularity which is used by different researchers, we used the standard of menstrual irregularity definition which was prepared by the international federation of obstetrics and gynecologist in 2018.

This study uses across sectional study design among 660 undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia. A self-administered questioner which includes socio-demographic data, menstrual-related questions, lifestyle and behavioral questions, and medical history questions were used to collect data. Besides, physical examination and anthropometric measurement were done.

Of a total 620 students who participated in the study: 202 (32.6%) had menstrual irregularity. Factors that had significant association with menstrual irregularity were, anemia (AOR=2.1; 95%CI 1.3373.441), alcohol intake (AOR=2.4; 95%CI 1.254.666),<5 sleep hours (AOR=5.4; 95%CI 2.9759.888), 67 sleep hours (AOR=1.9; 95%CI 1.2912.907), Perceived stress (AOR=3.3; 95%CI 1.83225.940), iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) (AOR=3.9; 95%CI 1.32511.636) and underweight (AOR=1.8; 95%CI 1.1092.847). In conclusion, the finding of this study reported a low magnitude of menstrual irregularity as compared to previous studies.