Menstrual health and prevalence of menstrual disorders among modern society females in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Menstrual disorders affect women all around the world, although they are still viewed as minor health problems. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of menstrual disorders among modern society females in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and explore potential factors that may influence these disorders. Study Design: It is a cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling technique. Method A convenient sampling technique was used to collect primary data through a semi-structured questionnaire from 342 female residents of Dhaka, aged at least 15 years, between April 2021 and August 2021. Participants were from different demographic backgrounds. Results The mean age of respondents was 22 years ± 8.03. Participants were predominantly educated, with many pursuing undergraduate studies. They mostly belonged to nuclear families (77.7%) and middle (59.5%) to upper-middle (33.1%) socio-economic classes. Prevalent premenstrual symptoms included change in mood (71.6%), cramps (68.9%), abdominal bloating (45.9%), and breast discomfort (38.5%). Dysmenorrhea (50.6%) and menorrhagia (35.2%) were common, while polymenorrhea (10.8%) and oligomenorrhea were less frequent. Despite somewhat knowledge about the negative influence of junk foods on menstrual health, a significant proportion of participants reported consuming junk foods regularly. Most participants had easy access to sanitary napkins and menstrual hygiene products. Conclusion Menstrual disorders are prevalent among young women in modern Dhaka, despite their good education rate. Lifestyle and diet are linked to their prevalence. Healthcare professionals must educate and counsel women on menstrual health. Collaborative efforts among professionals, policymakers, and researchers are needed to raise awareness and support women in managing these issues.