Menstrual Disorders and Its Determinants Among Married Women of Rural Haryana.
BACKGROUND
Disorders of menstruation are common problems among women. They have several psychological effects on women's health.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to estimate prevalence of menstrual disorders, usage of sanitary pads and their determinants among married women in selected villages of rural Haryana.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted during September 2011 in 10 villages of PHC (Primary Health Centre) Mandi, Haryana, using a systematic random sampling technique. Currently married women in the age group of 18-45 years living in study area for more than 1 year were included in the study while those who were pregnant and unable to understand questions were excluded. Informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants.


RESULTS
A total of 344 women were interviewed. The mean (SD) age of participants was 28.0 (5.4) years. Majority of women were housewives (78.8%) and most had education up to middle school (22.7%). Mean (SD) age at menarche was 14.3 (1.2) years. Nearly one-tenth of women had married before 18 years of age. Prevalence of all menstrual disorders was 20.3% and most common disorder was excessive pain. About one fifth reported irregularity of menstrual cycles. Almost half were not using sanitary pads during menses. Menstrual disorders were more common among non-users of contraception (OR=1.7, p = 0.04) and housewives (OR = 2.4, p= 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Disorders of menstruation were fairly common among women surveyed. Usage of sanitary pads was quiet low. Awareness generation among women regarding menstrual problems and Behaviour Change Communication to promote usage of sanitary pads are important measures to reduce related morbidity.
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India .
Farhad
F
Ahamed
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences , Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India .
Ayush
A
Lohiya
Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, PGIMER , Chandigarh, India .
Ankita
A
Kankaria
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, BPS GMC , Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India .
Vijay
V
Silan
Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College , Kannauj, U.P., India .
Pradip
P
Kharya
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Velammal Medical College Hospital & Research Institute , Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India .
Suliankatchi Abdulkader
SA
Rizwan
Menstrual hygiene; Menstruation; Rural India; Sanitary pads