Factors Influencing the Magnitude of Menstrual Problems among Married Pre-menopausal Women of Rural Puducherry District

Abstract

Among rural women of India, the magnitude of menstrual problems is fairly large. Such problems will
be still large enough among those who are at pre-menopausal ages. In view of this, we made an attempt
here to understand the magnitude of menstrual problems among rural women and tried to identify
the key factors influencing the same. The data has been collected from 780 married pre-menopausal
women (aged 35–49 years), who are selected from 30 villages of five communes in Puducherry
district. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as linear regression technique adapted. Around
63.5 per cent of sample women perceived to be suffering from one or the other menstrual problems.
Results of multiple linear regression analysis suggest that the likelihood of women suffering from
menstrual problems is positively associated with current age, pregnancy wastage and ever used oral
contraceptive pills or IUCD. Conversely, such probability is found to be negatively associated with
years of schooling, family monthly income, grading of occupational status, menstrual hygiene and
extent of freedom of movement. Efforts may be taken to improve the socio-economic conditions and
imparting good menstrual hygienic practices among rural women though the Government resources,
NGOs and Voluntary Organizations.