Study on the Menstruation Pattern and Weight Status of College Girls in Chennai, South India

Abstract

The health of adolescent girls demands greater attention. The ‘double burden’ of undernutrition and overnutrition, as well as, menstrual irregularities seem to be on the rise among young Indian girls. The present study was undertaken to assess the menstrual pattern and weight status of the college girls in Chennai. The study included 560 college girls (aged 17-22), selected by stratified random sampling. A self-formulated questionnaire was used to elicit information. Height and weight were taken as per standard procedure. The collected data was statistically analysed using frequency distribution and Chi-square test. Results indicated 20%, 18.9% and 2.5% to be underweight, overweight and obese respectively. 10.9% complained of menstrual irregularity. A significant association between BMI and menstrual irregularity was observed. Since combined occurrence of higher BMI and menstrual irregularity can affect the reproductive health or cause adverse complications later in life, early identification and right interventions at adolescent stage are crucial.

Keywords

• menstrual irregularity
• weight status
• college girls