A Study on Coping Strategies of Menstrual Disturbances among Adolescent Girls at Selected Schools of Coimbatore District

This is a school-based cross-sectional study conducted among female adolescents from high and higher Secondary Schools conducted on randomly selected 100 students. The study looked at research questions such as history of menstrual pattern and its abnormalities and the adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies of adolescents towards menstrual abnormalities. To reach at the desired objectives, Pre-tested self administered questionnaire; was used.

The study revealed that the mean age at menarche was 13 years. The dominant sources of information and advice on menstruation and how to deal with were none and only limited percentage got information from their teachers, mothers, elder sisters and friends. Majority of the girls had adequate knowledge about the characteristics of normal menstruation and all had good hygienic practices. Seventy eight percent of girls reported to have health problems related to menstruation where abdominal/backache and mood change were the most reported.