Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of Body Mass Index and nutritional status on the menstrual pattern in adolescent girls Methods: Four hundred one adolescent girls who attained menarche were selected from five schools in Hyderabad. The data was collected by trained medical undergraduate and postgraduates by interviewing adolescent school girls using a pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire. BMI was calculated using the formula: BMI (kg/m2) = Weight (kg) / Height 2 (m2). Hb was estimated by Sahlis method using a haemoglobinometer. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11.0. Results : The mean age of the girls was 14.96 +/- 1.5 years. Three hundred and five (76%) of the girls had a normal menstrual cycle, twenty-eight (7 %) had frequent periods, fifty-two (13%) had infrequent periods and sixteen (4%) of the girls had totally irregular cycles and a pattern could not be determined. Three hundred and five (76%) of girls had a normal menstrual flow, sixty-eight (17%) had heavy flow and twenty-eight (7%) had scanty flow. One hundred fifty two (38%) of girls complained of premenstrual symptoms. Two hundred thirty one (60%) girls were clinically anemic. Two hundred and seventy seven (69%) had a BMI between 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2. One hundred and eight (27%) were underweight with a BMI of 14 – 18.49kg/m2, while sixteen (4%) were overweight with BMI 25 – 29.99 kg/m2. A statistically significant relationship was found between BMI and social class (P<0.001) and BMI and menstrual pattern P<0.001). Conclusion : The study concludes that a majority of the girls had clinically obvious nutritional deficiency diseases. Out of the four hundred and one girls who were checked, two hundred thirty one were found to be anemic. Majority of the girls (84%) had a normal menstrual pattern, normal BMI and attained menarche before the age of 16. Overweight girls had infrequent periods.
Highlights
Adolescence is a period of maturity, a point of physical, emotional, social and psychological change
It is important for clinicians as well as young patients and their parents to understand what a normal menstrual pattern is, in order to evaluate what constitutes an irregular cycle or abnormal flow
Pak J Med Sci 2014 Vol 30 No 1 www.pjms.com.pk 141 by their father’s occupation and monthly income. 47% of the fathers worked in the public sector and 2% worked in the private sector, 39% were manual workers and 12% did not mention the status of their father’s job. 71% of the girl’s fathers belonged to the lower middle class status with a monthly income between Pakistani rupees (Rs.) 2000 – 7000. 26% belonged to the middle class with an income of Rs.7000 – 12,000 while 3% of the girls belonged to a low socio economic status with father’s income between 1000 – 2000 rupees per month
Summary
Adolescence is a period of maturity, a point of physical, emotional, social and psychological change. Anemia is the major nutritional deficiency found in this group in Pakistan where more than 40 percent of total female population is anemic. This includes 35 percent girls of 15-19 years of age.[1]. The pattern of menstrual cycle will have a significant impact on a girl’s reproductive life, which raises a concern for the patient and their families. It is important for clinicians as well as young patients and their parents to understand what a normal menstrual pattern is, in order to evaluate what constitutes an irregular cycle or abnormal flow. Young patients seek medical attention for menstrual irregularities, which fall within the normal range
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