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Perception of Menstrual Normality and Abnormality in Spanish Female Nursing Students

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Abreu-Sánchez

    (Department of Nursing, University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain)

  • María Laura Parra-Fernández

    (Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of Castilla-La-Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain)

  • María Dolores Onieva-Zafra

    (Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of Castilla-La-Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain)

  • Elia Fernández-Martínez

    (Department of Nursing, University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain)

Abstract

Menstrual problems are usually taboo; and often, some, such as dysmenorrhea, are presumed normal. This study seeks to compare the menstrual characteristics and symptoms of female university students reporting self-perceived normality concerning their cycles and menstruation with those who perceive their menstruation as being abnormal. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 270 nursing students using a self-report questionnaire that included sociodemographic and gynecological issues, together with Visual Analog Scale, the Andersch and Milsom Scale, and the Spanish version of the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EuroQol-5D) to measure self-perceived health status. A bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test, linear trend chi-square, and Student’s t-test, and a multivariate analysis of stepwise binary logistic regression was performed to predict the perception of cycle abnormality. In total, 77.4% of participants displayed normality; however, in self-reporting of menstrual characteristics, 67.4% identified alterations. Young women suffering from menstrual dizziness were 1.997 (CI95% = 1.010–3.950; p = 0.047) more likely to manifest abnormal menstruation, 4.518 (CI95% = 1.239–16.477; p = 0.022) more likely if they suffered from Grade 3 menstrual pain, and 2.851 (CI95% = 1.399–5.809; p = 0.004) more likely if they perceived that menstruation interfered with their daily lives. Many menstrual changes and symptoms are still considered normal, making it difficult to identify and address these issues. Therefore, it is necessary to develop health policies and strategies to improve menstrual health literacy for increased knowledge and earlier diagnosis.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Abreu-Sánchez & María Laura Parra-Fernández & María Dolores Onieva-Zafra & Elia Fernández-Martínez, 2020. "Perception of Menstrual Normality and Abnormality in Spanish Female Nursing Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-12, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6432-:d:408568
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen X Chen & Carol Shieh & Claire B Draucker & Janet S Carpenter, 2018. "Reasons women do not seek health care for dysmenorrhea," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1-2), pages 301-308, January.
    2. Seear, Kate, 2009. "The etiquette of endometriosis: Stigmatisation, menstrual concealment and the diagnostic delay," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(8), pages 1220-1227, October.
    3. María Laura Parra-Fernández & María Dolores Onieva-Zafra & Ana Abreu-Sánchez & Juan Diego Ramos-Pichardo & María Teresa Iglesias-López & Elia Fernández-Martínez, 2020. "Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea among University Students in the South of Spain and Family Influence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-13, August.
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    1. Elia Fernández-Martínez & Ana Abreu-Sánchez & Juan Francisco Velarde-García & María Teresa Iglesias-López & Jorge Pérez-Corrales & Domingo Palacios-Ceña, 2020. "Living with Restrictions. The Perspective of Nursing Students with Primary Dysmenorrhea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.

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