Factors Influencing the Magnitude of Menstrual Problems among Married Pre-menopausal Women of Rural Puducherry District

Abstract

Among rural women of India, the magnitude of menstrual problems is fairly large. Such problems will be still large enough among those who are at pre-menopausal ages. In view of this, we made an attempt here to understand the magnitude of menstrual problems among rural women and tried to identify the key factors influencing the same. The data has been collected from 780 married pre-menopausal women (aged 35–49 years), who are selected from 30 villages of five communes in Puducherry district. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as linear regression technique adapted. Around 63.5 per cent of sample women perceived to be suffering from one or the other menstrual problems. Results of multiple linear regression analysis suggest that the likelihood of women suffering from menstrual problems is positively associated with current age, pregnancy wastage and ever used oral contraceptive pills or IUCD. Conversely, such probability is found to be negatively associated with years of schooling, family monthly income, grading of occupational status, menstrual hygiene and extent of freedom of movement. Efforts may be taken to improve the socio-economic conditions and imparting good menstrual hygienic practices among rural women though the Government resources, NGOs and Voluntary Organizations.