To explore menstrual cycle symptoms, information sources and menstrual health literacy in young women (aged 13-25) and those who menstruate in Aotearoa New Zealand. Cross-sectional online survey in Aotearoa New Zealand. 1334 respondents (age 13-25 years, mean age 19.8), who have had at least three periods and were currently living in New Zealand. Online survey hosted by Qualtrics between October 2021, and January 2022. Information on menstrual cycle characteristics and symptoms, and menstrual health literacy. Respondents reported high rates of regular dysmenorrhoea (89%), fatigue/tiredness (78.1%) and mood changes (72.5%) associated with menstruation. A higher proportion of rangatahi (younger generation) Māori reported irregular cycles (53.5%) compared to non-Māori respondents (41.7%). Normalisation of symptoms, especially pain (80.2%), was high. Most respondents recognised the need to see a doctor for period pain which impacted their daily lives (84.7%). However, non-cyclical pelvic pain (45.7%), heavy bleeding (39%) and intermenstrual bleeding (29%) were less likely to be recognised as symptoms that require a doctor's visit. The main sources of menstrual health knowledge prior to menarche were a family member (74.2%) and health and physical education classes at school (63.7%). Many young people reported receiving little or no information about periods prior to menarche (37.9%), with very few respondents receiving information on how to manage menstrual symptoms (15.1%). Menstrual symptoms are common and the provision of culturally safe information and opportunities to learn is important for young people, whānau, schools and healthcare practitioners.
Read full abstract