Physical Activity and Menstrual Disorders Аmong School Girls in Southern Egypt

Research Abstract

Introduction: Menstrual disorders are the most frequent gynecological diagnoses among young girls. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate whether physical activity could reduce menstrual disorders among schoolgirls. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 970 schoolgirls in Southern Egypt were assessed, using a questionnaire, for their socio-demographic characteristics, gynecological history, physical activity, and menstrual disorders during the previous 6 months. Results: The mean age of schoolgirls was 15.5 ± 0.8 years, menarche age 13.2 ± 1.2 years, menstrual cycle duration 28.8 ± 7.3 days, and 76.1% were circumcised. After adjustment for the socio-demographic and gynecological variables, physical activity wаs shown to be not associated with all premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea (р -value > 0.05). Conclusion: No substantial associations between physical activities and menstrual/premenstrual symptoms can be concluded. Recommendations: Future cohort and interventional studies are needed to explain whether the risk of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms can be reduced by physical activity.

Research Keywords

dysmenorrhea, physical activity, premenstrual disorders, schoolgirls