Prevalence of Menstrual Problems and associated factors among reproductive women in Mogadishu Somalia

Abstract

Abstract Background This study investigates the prevalence and impact of menstrual problems among reproductive-aged women in Mogadishu, Somalia. Menstrual problems encompass a range of abnormal uterine bleeding patterns and associated symptoms, affecting women worldwide. The study aims to shed light on the sociodemographic factors, menstrual patterns, and psychological symptoms associated with menstrual difficulties in this specific context. Methods and materials The research, conducted over six months with 568 participants from Mogadishu Somali-Turkey Training and Research Hospitals, explores various factors, including age, marital status, education, occupation, and household income. The findings reveal that approximately 60% of women in Somalia report experiencing menstrual difficulties, including painful periods, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, and premenstrual syndrome. Limited access to healthcare services poses a significant barrier to addressing menstrual problems, particularly among refugee adolescent girls in Somalia. Sociocultural factors, fear, and cultural barriers contribute to these challenges. The study employs a cross-sectional design, utilizing a questionnaire to gather information on participants' demographics, menstrual patterns, and associated symptoms. The results indicate no significant association between sociodemographic factors and menstrual problems. However, factors such as the average length of the menstrual cycle, premenstrual spotting, amount of flow, absenteeism from work or class, use of analgesics, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and a history of amenorrhea show statistically significant relationships with menstrual difficulties. Furthermore, the study explores the psychological and physical symptoms associated with menstrual difficulties. Participants reported various symptoms, including depression, crying spells, anger, tension, anxiety, body aches, lower back pain, fatigue, breast tenderness, swelling, abdominal cramping, headache, insomnia, and acne. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for comprehensive reproductive health programs in Mogadishu, addressing factors such as low contraceptive prevalence, inadequate access to reproductive health services, and the impact of menstrual problems on women's quality of life. Improving these aspects can contribute to enhanced reproductive health outcomes and overall well-being for women in Mogadishu, Somalia.