Abstract:
Background: As important as menstruation is to women’s reproduction is accompanied by
different disorders which may affect the quality of female’s life. Menstrual disorders are the
main cause of anxiety and psychological stress in young girls. Globally, the prevalence of
menstrual disorders ranges from 51 % to 90% amongst young girls and adults.
Purpose: The aim of the study is to identify the prevalence of menstrual disorders and healthseeking
behaviours of adolescents in Greater Giyani Municipality.
Method: The study employed quantitative cross-sectional, explorative, descriptive design. A
sample size of 360 adolescent girls from grade 9 to 12 aged between 14 to 19 years old was
obtained using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected using a questionnaire with three sections
namely demographic data, menstrual disorders information and health-seeking information.
Probability sampling was used to select three educational circuits and non- probability
purposive method was used to select four secondary schools. Participants were sampled by
convenient method. Ethical considerations and validity and reliability were ensured. Data was
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 26). Pearson’s Chisquare
was used to obtain association between variables. The study discovered a prevalence
of menstrual disorders which includes dysmenorrhoea (24.4%), Menorrhagia (8.2%),
polymenorria (22.5%) and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (22.5%). In terms of
health seeking, the study revealed that 44.9% of girls seek medical care when experiencing
menstrual pain, and 47% of girls relied on analgesics to relieve pain. Lastly, 26.5 % of school
absenteeism due to menstrual disorders was reported.
Conclusion: The findings show that menstrual disorders are prevalent among girls in Greater
Giyani Municipality and majority of them rely on medical treatment for pain.
