Menstrual irregularity and associated factors among female adolescents in Somali region high schools Ethiopia 2023

Menstrual irregularity is a common health concern among female adolescents, with potential impacts on their family life, social participation, academic performance, and overall well-being. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of menstrual irregularity and identify its associated factors among female high school students in the region. A multicenter, facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 714 female students from 11 high schools, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire, entered into EpiData version 4.6, and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between independent variables and menstrual irregularity, with crude odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Variables with a p value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. Model fitness was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and multicollinearity was evaluated using variance inflation factor (VIF) and tolerance tests. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. The prevalence of menstrual irregularity was 29.10% (95% CI 25.90%-32.50%). Significant factors associated with menstrual irregularity included: age 18-19 years [AOR 3.08, 95% CI 1.15-8.28], early menarche (≤ 12 years) [AOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.45-4.67], sleeping ≤ 5 h per night [AOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.02-13.09], perceived moderate stress [AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.98], and perceived high stress [AOR 3.52, 95% CI 1.60-7.76]. The prevalence of menstrual irregularity in this study was lower than that observed in previous studies. Significant factors associated with menstrual irregularity included age, early menarche, insufficient sleep, and high stress levels. It is recommended that school-based health education and stress management programs be strengthened to help reduce menstrual irregularities among female students.