Epidemiological Study of Menstrual Health and Associated Sociodemographic Factors among School-Going Adolescent Girls Aged 12–16 Years in Rural Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Menstrual health is a critical component of adolescent well-being, yet substantial disparities persist in low-resource settings where awareness, infrastructure, and support systems remain inadequate. This study assessed menstrual health patterns and examined the association of menstrual problems, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with sociodemographic factors among school-going adolescent girls in rural coastal Andhra Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 155 adolescent girls aged 12–16 years selected using simple random sampling in Tuni Mandal, Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual history, hygiene practices, and menstrual disorders. Descriptive statistics and stratified analyses were used. Results: The mean age at menarche was 12.25 years (SD = 1.90). Irregular menstrual cycles were reported by 76.8% of participants, PMS by 58.7%, painful periods by 25.8%, and heavy discharge by 14.2%. Higher prevalence of menstrual problems was observed among girls from low-income households and among those whose parents were illiterate. Conclusion: We identified a substantial burden of menstrual problems among adolescent girls in rural coastal Andhra Pradesh. Sociodemographic disadvantage appears to be an important contextual determinant, underscoring the need for school-based menstrual hygiene interventions and community-level strategies to strengthen parental awareness and support.