Neglect of Menstrual Disorders in Reproductive Health Care in India: A Population-Based Survey

Abstract

Menstrual health problems are a largely neglected priority within the sexual and reproductive health domain in most low-income countries. We examined the prevalence of menstrual health problems and their association with various socio-economic, demographic, and reproductive health factors using a population-based survey. Pain during menstruation (5.6%) and irregular menstrual cycles (4.3%) were the most common menstrual problems reported. The odds of reporting menstrual problems were higher among women who had had an abortion, had reproductive tract infections, and had ever used contraception, after we controlled for confounds. Findings of the study reinforce the need to provide menstrual health care services at the primary level.

Keywords:

• Menstruation
• dysmenorrhea
• menstrual disorder
• reproductive tract infections
• India

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Notes

1 In India, the eight socioeconomically backward states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, and Uttar Pradesh are referred to as the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states that need more attention for promotion of health and development. The states other than EAG states are termed Non-EAG states in this study.

2 Gauna is a ceremony performed especially in rural India when a very young bride and groom start living together at a certain time (it varies from a few days to months, or even a few years) after their marriage.

3 A form of social stratification prevalent since the ancient times in India. The caste in India is divided into four broad categories where Brahmins are at the top of the social hierarchy followed by Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras at the bottom. The scheduled caste and scheduled tribes come under the lower strata.