EVALUATION OF MENSTRUATION RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADOLESCENTS WITH ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING

Abstract

Objective: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common menstrual problem in adolescent girls. Every adolescent with AUB should also be evaluated for bleeding disorders. This study evaluated adolescent girls with AUB, with and without bleeding disorders, as well as their coping skills and menstruation specific quality of life compared to their peers. Methodology: The research was conducted in Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Adolescent Health as a prospective cross sectional study. The aim of this study was to determine coping skills and menstruation-related quality of life of adolescent girls with AUB according to Pediatric Bleeding Questionnaire Scoring and Menstrual Assessment Chart. 167 patients with AUB and 165 control group, were included in our study. Each patient was evaluated by the hematology department in terms of bleeding disorder. The participants completed the Adolescent Coping Scale (CEIBO), the Children's Quality of Life Scale (PedsQL) and a scale developed by the researchers to determine the directly menstruation related quality of life (MRQL). Results: Bleeding disorder was found in 10.1% of adolescents diagnosed with AUB. When the CIBS sub-dimensions were compared between the patient and control groups, no significant difference was found between them (p=0,056). In adolescents with AUK; total quality of life score, and quality of life score related to school and physical health functionality were found to be statistically significantly lower than the adolescents in the control group (p=0,004; p=0,007). When the adolescents with AUK were compared with the adolescents in the control group, there was no significant difference between the social functionality and emotional functionality quality of life sub-dimensions (p=0,116; 0,063). Menstruation related quality of life was found to be significantly lower in adolescents with AUB (p0,05) Menstruation related quality of life was found to be significantly lower in adolescents with AUB than in those with bleeding disorders and the control group. (p<0,001). Conclusion: Although the coping skills of adolescents with AUB are similar to their peers, their quality of life is significantly impaired due to heavy menstrual bleeding. In addition to the treatment for the anemia, it is important to reduce their bleeding for their comfort in their school and social life. Also MRQL, which has been specially developed for this research, can be used for screening purposes due to its short and consistent results in primary health centers, pediatric clinics and hematology clinics.