Menstrual Attitudes, Menstrual Distress and Psychological Wellbeing of Young Females
Authors
ABIA NAZIM, BEHJAT ABRAR, UZMA ASHIQ, ELIZABETH SCHWAIGER, KIRAN ISHFAQ and SARAH SHAHED
Abstract
Menstruation is a natural biological process for females which has relevant impact on several dimensions of female’s health. Menstrual process is linked with significant physiological and psychological transitions among females directly affecting wellbeing and quality of life. Present study aimed to explore the attitudes of young females towards menstruation, identify commonly experienced symptoms of menstrual distress and association of these two variables with psychological wellbeing. Cross sectional research design was used to study 490 young females selected through convenience sampling method from Lahore. The data was recorded on detailed demographic questionnaire, menstrual distress questionnaire, menstruation attitude questionnaire and psychological well being scale. These measures recorded personal information of the participants and basic information about menstrual cycles and health, symptoms of menstrual distress, various attitudes towards menstruation and psychological wellbeing of the participants respectively. The data were gathered from academic institutes and health facilities in Lahore. The mean scores on dimensions of MAQ ranged from 3.99 to 6.02 and on psychological wellbeing from 4.71 to 6.59. Swelling, cramps, irritability and nausea were the most reported menstrual distress symptoms. Subdimensions of menstrual attitudes, menstrual distress and psychological wellbeing revealed a mix yet interesting trend of associations. Menstrual attitudes and menstrual distress are significant correlates of psychological wellbeing of young females.