Abstract

Background: Adolescent girls face a number of menstrual problems and this adversely affects their performance in academics, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Taboos and restrictions prevent them from discussing their problems and seeking prompt medical attention.
Objective: To assess and compare the pattern of menstruation and menstrual problems among adolescent school girls in rural and urban areas, to make an analysis of the approach of adolescent girls toward menstrual problems, and to look for urban–rural differences in the same.
Materials and Methods: Data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire which included student particulars and questions related to menstrual pattern and problems. The girls were also examined for pallor. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 14.0. Descriptive statistics was used to determine mean and percentages. Categorical data were ana- 2 lyzed using χ  -test. P-values were also calculated using the z-test for proportions. Statistical significance of differences between urban and rural groups was tested. P-value<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Result: Significantly higher number of urban girls began menstruating at lower ages of 10 to 12 years (p-value = 0.0002). Menstruation-associated symptoms and symptoms of PMS were more significant in the rural area (p < 0.05). Abnormal vaginal discharge, feeling of tiredness, and pallor were significantly more prevalent (p < 0.05) in the rural area; and irregular cycles were mostly encountered in the urban area (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Menstrual problems were significantly more common in the rural population.