Menstrual disorders in rural Gambia

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Global Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• Menstrual disorders are a significant but often overlooked aspect of reproductive health in developing nations.
• Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of menstrual problems is crucial for improving women's health services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of menstrual disorders in rural Gambia.
• To examine the associations between menstrual disorders and sociodemographic factors, other reproductive morbidities, and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.
• To identify gaps in healthcare-seeking behaviors and inform reproductive health programs.

Main Methods:

• A community-based survey was conducted in rural Gambia involving 607 menstruating women not using hormonal contraceptives.
• Data were collected through questionnaires administered by a field-worker and a gynecologist, who also performed examinations.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with a subsample to explore knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding menstrual problems.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of complaints included irregular cycles (16%), dysmenorrhea (14%), spotting (8%), and heavy/prolonged bleeding (4%).
• Each menstrual disorder complaint was associated with other reproductive morbidities.
• A minority of women with menstrual problems sought healthcare, indicating menstruation is a private and secretive topic.

Conclusions:

• Menstrual disorders represent a substantial, unaddressed reproductive health need in developing countries.
• Simple and cost-effective therapies are often available for menstrual problems.
• Integrated reproductive health programs should include information, education, support, and clinical management for menstrual disorders.