Awareness of Menstrual Abnormalities among Female Nursing Students at the University of Sulaimani

• Published in: UHD Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 65 - 72
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Peshwaz Abdulrahman, Abbas, Amani Fadhil, Qadir, Nazera Salam Mena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Human Development 13.04.2025
• Subjects: dysmenorrhea; menstrual abnormalities; menstruation; nursing students’ awareness
• ISSN: 2521-4209; 2521-4217
• DOI: 10.21928/uhdjst.v9n1y2025.pp65-72

Background: The menstrual cycle, which occurs on a monthly basis from menarche to menopause and facilitates fertilization and conception, is a normal function in the female reproductive system. A 28-day cycle is the typical length. Any variations from the typical menstrual cycle in terms of frequency, irregularity of onset, duration of flow, or volume of blood are referred to as menstrual abnormalities. Aim: The current study set out to evaluate nursing students’ awareness regarding menstrual abnormalities. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive study of the quantitative method, the sample of 100 female students was conducted at the University of Sulaimani/Nursing College from January 15 to May 30, 2024. A questionnaire format was created according to the aim of the study and delivered by a team of six experts, consisting of three parts. Part one: sociodemographic characteristics of students. Part two: Menstrual patterns of students. Part three. Awareness of students regarding menstrual abnormalities. Data were collected by direct interviews with the students. Statistical Package for the Social Science version 22 was used for analyzing the data. The frequency, percentage, and Chi-square test were used. Results: Results of the present study indicated that the highest percentage of participants were in the age group (20–24); they mostly dwelled in dormitory. Financial state for the majority was sufficient and the vast majority were unmarried. The majority of participants experienced painful menstruation which affected their academic performance. Moreover, only one-fifth of participants had a high awareness regarding menstrual abnormalities. Finally, the study showed that there was a significant association between the group age of students and their awareness regarding menstrual abnormalities. Conclusion and Recommendations: The research concludes that the majority of participants demonstrated low awareness of menstrual abnormalities. Information, education, and awareness programs need to be strengthened to spread awareness regarding menstrual abnormalities.