Abstract:
Background: Menstrual cycle is a normal physiological process that is characterized by periodic and
cyclic shedding of progestational endometrium accompanied by loss of blood. Menstrual cycle
irregularity is a reproductive disorder occurring among university students and hinders quality of life
and academic performance. Even though few researches were conducted on the prevalence of menstrual
cycle irregularity among university students in Ethiopia, the associated factors related with irregular
menstrual cycle were not studied.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularity and
associated factors among medical students of Jimma University, Southwest Ethiopia, 2018
Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 female medical students.
Stratified sampling with proportional allocation was used to select study participants. A pre tested
structured self administered questionnaire was used to collect the data; and weight and height were
measured then BMI was calculated. The data were entered in Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS
Version 20.0. Frequencies, means and proportions were used for the descriptive analysis of data.
Bivariable analysis was done to select candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted
I
odds ratio along with 95 % confidence interval was estimated to measure the strength and direction of
association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p value less than 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularity was 32.9% (95% CI: 27.2%, 39.8%). The
contributing factors remained to be statistically significant were the age group of 18-20 years [AOR =3.01, 95% CI (1.09-8.32)], having psychological distress [AOR =6.53, 95% CI (3.44-12.38)] and
overweight [AOR =3.21, 95% CI (1.36-7.58)]
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularity was high among
medical students of Jimma University. The age group of 18-20 years, psychological distress and
overweight were independent factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity. The students should be
advised to control their body weight and have to be supported by concerned office in the University to
minimize the level of stress.
