Nutrition and BMI as a Potential Factor of Menstrual Disorders: A comparative study between Medical and Nursing students

Abstract

The study participants, both medical and nursing students were classified based on whether they suffered from
any kind of menstrual problems and the ones who suffered from menstrual problems were further classified into either
suffering from menorrhagia or dysmenorrheal as they are the 2 most commonly prevalent menstrual problems into day’s
time. Studies regarding the prevalence of menstrual problems and their association with BMI are available in the
literature. However, there are no studies done to compare the prevalence of menstrual problems between medical and
nursing students and their association with food habits. Objective: To compare and assess the prevalence of menstrual
problems between medical and nursing students. (a) To compare and assess the prevalence of menstrual problems
between medical and nursing students. (b) To assess the association of menstrual problems with BMI. (c) To assess the
association of menstrual problems with food habits. Methodology: This is across-sectional comparative study that was
conducted between medical and nursing students. Inclusion criteria: Young female nursing and medical students who
are willing to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria: Females who suffer from chronic diseases, positive pregnancy
test and lactating mothers. The following definitions were used to define normal menstruation and various menstrual
disorders: Normal menstrual cycle: The duration of a normal menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days, with a menstrual flow
ranging from 2 to 6 days, and average blood loss is 20 to 80 ml (4-16 pads as 1 normal pad holds approximately 5 ml of
blood). Irregular cycle: If there is an abnormal variation in the length of the menstrual cycle. Increased calorie
consumptions and excessive junk food cravings is seen in premenstrual periods and is linked with increased menstrual
problems prevalence. Results: The study participants, both medical and nursing students were classified based on
whether they suffered from any kind of menstrual problems and the ones who suffered from menstrual problems were
further classified into either suffering from menorrhagia or dysmenorrheal as they are the 2 most commonly prevalent
menstrual problems into day’s time. In the comparison of menstrual problems between medical and nursing students it
was clear that about 96% of them suffered from either kind of menstrual problem. Of this 96%, majority of them suffered
from menorrhagia and was seen more in medical students (about 53.7%) where as dysmenorrheal which constituted for
22% of the menstrual problems was seen more in nursing students. In the comparison of prevalence of PMS between
medical and nursing students, 80% of them suffered from PMS. Conclusion: The present study results will be helpful to
explore the association of menstrual problems with BMI and food habits, and for creating strategies to improve
nutritional and reproductive health. Although a variety of factors play an important role in affecting menstrual cycles,
studies have suggested that having a high BMI may cause an absence of menstruation, irregular menstruation, heavy or
long menstruation and painful menstruation.