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Survey Paper | Gynaecology | India | Volume 13 Issue 8, August 2024 | Popularity: 5.7 / 10

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Questionnaire based Cross Sectional Survey of Gynecological Issues and Health Awareness among Late Adolescents and Young Adults

Dr. Apurva Wamanrao Dhote, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Gnanasekaran, Dr. G. Ganitha, Dr. P. S. Jikki Kalaiselvi

Abstract: Adolescence is a crucial period of development with physical, emotional development, and reproductive maturation. Although physical maturity is completed in most by 18yrs., important changes seem to extend even beyond. They experience a wide variety of gynecological issues. In the recent years? adolescent health has gained priority and several studies have been undertaken to understand the health challenges of adolescents. With this preview, we aim to study the various gynecological issues in late adolescents and young adults and also assess their knowledge and attitude towards health awareness and health care seeking behaviour. Aim & Objectives: To study the various gynecological issues prevalent among late adolescents and young adults. To assess the KAP about menstrual hygiene and other aspects of gynecological health. To assess the health care seeking behaviour and the factors which affecting it. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among adolescents and young adults in the age group of 18 ? 24 years who are pursuing their medical or paramedical course at A.C.S medical college and hospital, Tamilnadu. The validated google form questionnaire was circulated. It contained details of menstrual & other gynecological issues, past history & investigations. It also covered KAP on menstrual hygiene, gynaecological health and health seeking behaviour. The recorded data was compiled and relevant statistical analysis was done. Results: A total of 546 students, 77.3% late adolescents and 22.7% young adults responded. 53.6% had normal BMI, over weight - 27.4%, 1.4%- obese, underweight - 17.7%. Nearly 80% had regular periods, 20% had irregular periods. The irregularity was more common among the overweight & obese student group when compared with the normal BMI group, Odds ratio was 1.8 with a p value of 0.004. Dysmenorrhoea was noted in 59% of the study subjects and was the commonest gynaecological problem in the study population. Abdominal pain was reported by 76.4%, which might have included dysmenorrhoea also. Therefore, the actual abdominal pain might have been 17.4% 44% had significant vaginal infection & 14.5% had UTI. 4.8% of the study subjects were having hypothyroidism & 21.2% individuals had been diagnosed as anemic by blood investigations. Acne was present among 53.7%, acanthosis nigricans in 28.2% and hirsutism in 17%. The risk of developing PCOS was calculated among students with irregular cycles and hyperandrogenism, and compared among overweight, obese and normal BMI. The Odds ratio was 7.33 with a p value of 0.003 proving that excessive BMI is definitely a risk factor for hyperandrogenism and PCOS. Menstruation was believed as a disease by 7.9% of students. 14% did not regard hand washing as essential. Majority 62.6% are for changing pads three or four times a day, 11.2% believe in washing with antiseptic solution during periods. Disposable sanitary napkin was used by 87.5% & 58.7% are for disposing pads in dust bins. 26% used reusable cloth pads, 26.8% of them still believe that cloth pads can be washed in water alone. 22.3% and 15.6% do not know the importance of drying cloth pads under the Sun and the benefits of cotton panties respectively. Overall, an average of 10% -25% of the students were not aware of safe menstrual hygiene practices. Whenever they faced health issues, nearly 53.3% did not seek medical help. Conclusion: Our study shows high incidence of menstrual irregularity and PCOS in the adolescent population with high BMI. Lifestyle modification should be advocated vigorously to mitigate the risk. Not seeking medical help for problems during adolescence may lead to serious health issues during the reproductive period. The awareness to approach whenever needed has to be emphasized. An average of 10 to 25% of adolescents was not aware of safe menstrual hygiene practices. We can believe that this percentage will be higher in the community. Usage of disposable sanitary napkins has carcinogenic potential and causing environmental pollution, needs to be taught. Hence, there is an urgent need to increase health education among the adolescents for their future and the benefit of the community at large.

Keywords: Adolescent health, PCOS, Menstrual hygiene, Adolescent Health seeking behaviour

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 8, August 2024

Pages: 1008 - 1015

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR24811190214

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