2023-07-13 15:43:00
School attendance is also interrupted by the menstrual cycle.
By: Luisa Ochoa
Julio 13, 2023
A recent investigation carried out in Puerto Rico showed that the symptoms menstrual periods affect the study, concentration and attendance of the teenagers to educational institutions.
The research sought to assess the characteristics of the menstrual cycle and the prevalence of dysregulation of the menstrual cycle and gynecological health conditions among teenagers In Puerto Rico.
The study led by High School (CROEV) and Medicine students from Ponce Health Sciences University found that in 38% of the participants, the symptoms menstrual periods substantially affected their study and concentration and in 33%, the symptoms affected school attendance.
It is worth mentioning that the participants who were part of the study were in the sixth grade until the second year of university.
Menstrual education in adolescents
The renowned Dr. Idhaliz Flores, a Puerto Rican researcher, led the study, which also revealed that 67% of the teenagers they have received menstrual education in schools, 62% at home and 39% through social networks.
Additionally, for 85% of the participants, the mothers were the most reliable source of information regarding the menstruation. Similarly, from the data collected it can be seen that public school students received more education on the menstruation than those from private schools (75% vs. 60%), who reported less understanding of the subject.
For their part, the youngest participants, that is, those aged 14 or less, received less education and felt less comfortable on the subject.
Most recurrent symptoms during the menstrual cycle
The study also evaluated the symptoms that presented the teenagers during your menstrual cycle. 74% reported having low energy and irritability; 64% indicated emotional changes and 63% reported the use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
“During puberty, interruptions to the menstrual cycle can occur and often resolve spontaneously; however, in some cases there is a need for medical treatment or follow-up. Knowledge of the normal and abnormal features of the menstrual cycle is key to recognizing the conditions gynecological conditions that require medical attention,” said Amanda Detrés, a first-year resident of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Hospital Episcopal San Lucas in Ponce.
For her part, Dr. Flores indicated that this ongoing study will help improve menstrual health education in school curricula to promote better understanding and decrease stigma around this biological process.
The study will have a second phase
The researcher also explained that they are in the process of recruiting participants between the ages of 11 and 20 to conduct a second phase of this study.
Las women Those interested can contact 787-840-2575 x 2206 or send an email to iflores@psm.edu.
In the study Menstrual health and education among teenagers from Puerto Rico also participated Christy Rosado; Braulio I. Rivera, MPH; Laura Blondet, BSc; Maricarmen Diaz-Colon, PhD; Valery Rubinsky, PhD and Angela Cooke-Jackson, PhD, MPH.
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