Prevalence and Health-Seeking Behaviour Regarding Menstrual Disorders Among Non-Medical Undergraduate Students in Mwanza, Tanzania. A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Menstrual disorders are a significant public health issue, particularly among young women in low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs). Health-seeking behaviour related to menstrual disorders among female undergraduate
students in sub-Saharan Africa remains suboptimal. This study aims to determine the prevalence, awareness, and health
seeking behaviours regarding menstrual disorders among female undergraduate students at non-medical universities.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2022 at two institutions in Mwanza,
Tanzania: St Augustine University of Tanzania and the College of Business Education. The study population comprised
female undergraduate students aged 18 years or older, who were selected using a combined stratified and convenience
sampling approach. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including
frequencies, percentages, medians, and interquartile ranges (IQR), were used to summarise the data.
Results: A total of 573 participants were included in the study, the majority of whom were aged 22 to 25 years
(64.1%). The prevalence rates of menstrual disorders were as follows: dysmenorrhoea (73.0%), premenstrual syndrome
(54.3%), menorrhagia (44.0%), and amenorrhoea (37.0%). All participants were aware of the common menstrual
disorders. The primary sources of information regarding menstrual disorders were interpersonal communication (40.2%)
and the Internet (34.2%). Stress was identified as the most commonly perceived contributing factor of menstrual disorders
(54.3%), followed by the use of contraceptives (48.6%). Overall, 78.9% of participants reported seeking treatment
for their menstrual disorders; the most frequently cited sources of help were pharmaceutical outlets (40.7%), self-care
practices (50.7%), and hospitals (30.3%). Most participants sought help for menorrhagia (47.6%) and dysmenorrhea
(44.7%). The most commonly utilised treatments included analgesics (46.7%) and hormonal therapies (20.4%).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the considerable burden of menstrual disorders faced by female undergraduate
students, with dysmenorrhoea emerging as the most prevalent condition. The study also revealed that a significant
proportion of participants sought help for their menstrual disorders, with menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea being the
most commonly addressed conditions. Educational programmes should be integrated into university curricula to promote
menstrual health literacy