A cross sectional study on reproductive and mental health issues among adolescent girls of South Goa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20160428Keywords:
Adolescent girls, Reproductive health, Mental healthAbstract
Background: Adolescent age group needs special attention because this period is very crucial since these are the formative years in the life of an individual when major physical, psychological and behavioral changes take place. This study was undertaken to understand the different issues relating to sexual, reproductive and mental health among adolescent health in South Goa. The aim and objective of the study was to know the pattern of menstruation among adolescent girls, to study reproductive health issues among adolescent girl and to study their selected mental health issues.
Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls from higher secondary schools in South Goa. The students selected by simple random sampling method were interviewed by using a pre-planned, pretested and structured questionnaire.
Results: Mean age of menarche of study participants was 12.73 years. 36.7% had moderate to severe dysmenorrhea. Among the study participants 18.7% had burning sensation during urination, 27.9% had itching in the groin or vulva and 19.1% had abnormal vaginal discharge. 44.4% of the adolescents had feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, irritability or stress. The most common symptom suggestive of psychosomatic disorder was significantly less or more sleep. 48 to 72% of study participants had different symptoms suggestive of depression.
Conclusions:The study brings to focus various problems faced by adolescent girls in Goa. These problems need to be addressed urgently and in systematic manner so that these adolescents can have a healthy life as adults, free from reproductive and mental health issues.
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