Abstract

Menstrual patterns and disorders are prevalent health concerns that significantly impact the well-being of women, particularly those of reproductive age. Irregular cycles, dysmenorrhea, and other menstrual disorders often cause physical, emotional, and social challenges, affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite the known influence of menstrual health on women’s well-being, there is a need to specifically examine how menstrual patterns and disorders relate to HRQoL among female patients in clinical settings, such as the State Specialist Hospital, Ashubiaro, Osogbo. This study used a cross-sectional design, involving 182 female patients (mean age = 29.62) at the hospital, recruited through convenience and stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the HRQoL (SF-12), Menstrual Pattern Questionnaire (MPQ-13), and Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ-22), analyzed with Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression. Results showed that menstrual patterns positively impact HRQoL (β=0.269, t=4.744, p<0.05), while menstrual disorders negatively affect it, with higher severity linked to lower HRQoL (β=0.486, t=8.591, p<0.05). Together, menstrual patterns and disorders accounted for 33.3% of HRQoL variance (R=0.577, R²=0.333), with joint significance confirmed (F=52.376, p<0.05). These findings indicate that consistent menstrual cycles enhance HRQoL, whereas severe menstrual disorders diminish it, underscoring the importance of addressing menstrual health in clinical practice to improve women's overall well-being.

PDF