title: Menstrual patterns and gynecologic morbidity among university students in Kano, Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine menstrual patterns and effects of menstrual disorders on social and academic lives of undergraduate students in Kano, Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Students attending Bayero University Kano, Nigeria (n = 383).
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-administered questionnaires.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual patterns, and associated symptoms were elicited. Treatment-seeking behavior and effects of symptoms on academic and social activities were ascertained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age at menarche was 13.7 ± 1.68 years. Menstrual bleeding lasted an average of 5.2 ± 1.6 days. Cycle length was 21-35 days in 92% of cases (n = 353). Approximately 72% of respondents reported dysmenorrhea. After adjusting for confounding, age at menarche, menstrual cycle length, duration of menstrual bleeding and use of contraceptive pills remained significant predictors of dysmenorrhea. Menstrual disorders interfered with social and academic life of 91% and 84% of respondents respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gynecologic morbidity related to menstruation is common among adolescent Nigerians and is associated with detrimental effects on academic and social activities. Student health services should prioritize measures to mitigate the social and physical impact of menstrual disorders in young women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. ziliyasu@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Zubairu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Iliyasu
authors.forename: Hadiza S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Galadanci
authors.forename: Isa S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Abubakar
authors.forename: Amina O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Ismail
authors.forename: Muktar H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Aliyu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008572:Menarche; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008598:Menstruation; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D058992:Social Participation / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics