Evaluation of menstrual-related symptoms and associated factors among women: A cross-sectional study from Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Generational trends in the prevalence of menstrual-related symptoms (MRSs) among females residing in an aspirational district of India are investigated along with potential physiological, dietary, lifestyle, menstrual management, and socioeconomic risk factors. Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, primary data were collected from 400 respondents via face-to-face interviews utilising a semi-structured questionnaire. Each respondent's Menstrual Symptom Score (MSS) was calculated to assess the burden of symptoms. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, t-tests and multiple linear regression, were employed to explore the association between MSS and predictor variables. The most frequently reported symptoms were tiredness (66.3 percent), irritation (56.5 percent), lower back pain (49.5 percent), and menstrual pain (45 percent). The mean MSS was 3.42 (95 percent CI: 3.17, 3.67). Reproductive-age respondents reported significantly higher MSS than older respondents, who recalled fewer symptoms during their reproductive years, suggesting a potential generational difference in symptom burden. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between higher MSS and intake frequency of pulses, junk/fast food, meat/fish/eggs, vegetables and milk, late bedtime, menstrual flow duration, heavy lifting during menses as tasks and chores, non-utilization of cotton cloth absorbent, family type and education. Multivariate analysis identified age-group, age at menarche, irregular pulse and vegetable consumption, late bedtime, prolonged menstrual flow, heavy lifting during menstruation, and higher educational attainment as key predictors. The findings indicate that certain symptoms are common among respondents, contributing to reduced productivity and well-being. The observed generational differences underscore the importance of physiological, dietary, lifestyle, menstrual-related practices and sociodemographic factors in reducing the symptom burden.