Abstract
Background Menstrual cycle irregularities and anovulation have been found to occur with increased
frequency in women who deviate considerably from normal weight. Ovulation abnormalities
may also be caused by fluctuations in weight, such as being overweight, obese, or
underweight, which are hypothesized to disrupt the energy balance.
Objectives The aim of this study was to find out the association between menstrual patterns
and body mass index (BMI) among students of selected health science university.
Materials and Methods A descriptive research study was conducted among 222 university students at a selected
health science university in Mangalore. The samples were selected by using simple
random sampling techniques. A demographic proforma, self-reported menstrual pattern
questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements like height and weight were measured.
BMI was calculated by using the standardized formula, BMI= (weight [kg]/height [m2]) by the World Health Organization for the Asian population based on the revised
consensus guidelines for India. Students who are aged between 17 and 25 years, unmarried
female students who are studying under Yenepoya (deemed to be university), attained
menarche, and who are willing to participate in the study were included in the study.
Results From this study, it can be considered that the mean age of menarche was 12.49 ± 0.51years.
Most 68.5% students reported dysmenorrhea. It is the most common menstrual disorder
among our study subjects. Of the total subjects, 38.3% cases had oligomenorrhea, which
was the next most common menstrual disorder. The majority of the subjects has a normal
BMI, with a mean of 21.02 kg/m2. There is a significant association between dysmenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and polymenorrhagia
with BMI status of university students at 0.05 level significance.
Conclusion Lifestyle modification and nutritional counselling for female students could alleviate
menstrual problems. It will not only improve the girls' current health, sense of well-being,
and overall quality of life but may also lower her risks for future disease and ill
health after proper advice about diet and exercise. Menstrual irregularities are mostly
neglected by the society due to unawareness regarding the irregular menstrual pattern
and their problems.
Keywords
adolescent - body mass index - menstrual irregularities - menstrual pattern - nutritional
status - university students
