A Study to Assess the Relationship of Menstrual Irregularities with Nutritional Status among Adolescent Girls in Selected Urban Schools

Introduction � Adolescence is a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. Menstruation is the normal physiological process which occurs during this period. Adolescent girls are particularly at high risk of malnutrition because of growth spurt and increased nutrition and iron demand. Due to shy nature, lack of scientific knowledge, cultural taboos, myths, gender discrimination and restricted practice during menstruation, they are reluctant to discuss this topic with their parents and often hesitate to seek help regarding their menstrual irregularities. More than 90 % of menstrual irregularities are preventable which need early detection and prompt treatment. Adolescent girls are the future mothers and their nutritional status significantly contributes to the nutritional status of the community. Objectives: To assess menstrual irregularities, nutritional status and to find association of menstrual irregularities and nutritional status among adolescent girls. Population: Adolescent girls aged 13-19 years studying in selected urban schools. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study with non-purposive Convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 203 samples. The research variables were menstrual irregularities and nutritional status. Based on the objectives a semi-structured questionnaire was prepared to identify sociodemographic variables and menstrual history. Calorie intake was calculated using food frequency questionnaire. The anthropometric assessment ie, height and weight of adolescent girls and calculated BMI were recorded using an observation tool. Haemoglobin level estimated by Sahli�s Haemometer and association of variables were calculated with chi square and unpaired t-test. Data was analysed using SPSS 20 at 5 % level of significance. Results: It was inferred that among 203 adolescent girls, 56 % of adolescent girls had menstrual irregularities, while 80.8 % were found to have inadequate calorie intake. Underweight was prevalent among 36.5 % and 76.2 % of adolescent girls were anaemic. There is significant association between menstrual irregularities with BMI and calorie intake p