Basic Survey on Menstrual Status and Self-care Behavior of Japanese Women’s University Students

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Aim: To investigate the actual conditions of menstruation and self-care behavior of Japanese women’s university students and use it as basic data for implementing nursing interventions.

Method: We conducted a web survey based on a questionnaire for all enrolled students in A women"s University. Using the university"s web system, the survey request text was distributed to all students (5,339 peoples), and responses were obtained voluntarily. At the beginning of the investigation, we asked them to check whether they consented to this investigation, and the submission of the submitted investigation was regarded as consent. This study was approved by the ethical committee of the organization the author belongs to.

Results: Responses were obtained from 1,499 people (valid response rate 28.1%). The average age of the subjects was 19.6 years.
Regarding menstruation, 381 (25.4%) had abnormal cycles, 137 (9.1%) had abnormal menstrual periods, 313 (21.6%) had a large amount of menstrual blood, and 145 had abnormal bleeding. (10.0%), 411 people (28.4%) had problems with their daily lives.
Lower abdominal pain was the most common physical symptom during menstruation in 1070 (71.3%), drowsiness in 695 (46.3%), low back pain in 692 (46.1%), rough skin in 654 (43.6%), and appetite change in 637(42.5%). There were 101 patients (6.7%) without symptoms. Mental symptoms were such as frustrated 757 (50.5%) and 631 (42.1%) were depressed. The most common way to deal with menstruation was to lie down or take a rest with 798 (53.2%) and 399 (26.6%) were doing nothing.

Conclusion: Those with menstrual disorders and those with menstrual symptoms that interfere with daily life are present in more than a quarter and it suggest the need for educational intervention in knowledge and care methods that they can care to be themselves.