Menstrual Pattern and Blood Pressure as Predictors of General Health Among Undergraduates

Abstract

The study was to ascertain the relationship between menstrual pattern, blood pressure, and general health of undergraduates. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in which respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques were questionnaires were administered and readings of blood pressure, height, and weight were taken. Inferential statistical analysis such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation and regression analysis was used to analyze data. The mean age at menarche was 14.5 years; mean of length of the cycle was 28.9days, with a range of 20-33 days while 31.2% of the respondents experienced irregular cycle. The prevalence of menstrual disorder was 18.9%. 22.1% of the respondents had a problem with blood pressure while 10.4 % of the respondents had a high level of psychopathology. The study revealed that there is a significant negative relationship between menstrual disorder and blood pressure (p <.01, -.364), a significant negative relationship between menstrual disorder and general health (p<.05, -.247), and a significant positive relationship between blood pressure and general health of respondents (p <.01, .814). The study concluded that there is a relationship between the study variables. Thus, the need to educate adolescents on what to expect on menstrual pattern to avoid anxiety and other related problems that comes with lack of knowledge on menstrual pattern. Also, the significance of problem-related to menstruation should be discussed for the same reason. Early diagnosis and treatment can also help to manage in time psychological problems that can arise as a result of menstrual problems.