Absenteeism during menstruation among nursing students in Spain
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Authors
Fernández-Martínez, Elia
Onieva-Zafra, María Dolores
Abreu-Sánchez, Ana
Fernández-Muñóz, Juan José
Parra-Fernández, María Laura
Issue Date
2019-12-19
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Absenteeism , Dysmenorrhea , Menstrual Experiences , Menstruation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Absenteeism can clearly have a negative impact on academic performance among university students. Certain experiences or symptoms such as menstrual pain are very common in women and can lead to absenteeism. The current study was aimed at examining the presence of menstrual experiences or symptoms and their impact upon absenteeism among healthy (illness-free) female university nursing students in Spain. A total of 299 students participated in this research, which was a descriptive cross-sectional, observational study. An ad hoc online questionnaire was used based on sociodemographic and gynecological data, together with the noted menstrual experiences; the most prevalent of which were bloating, which affected 87.3% of students; dysmenorrhea and irritability, which affected 76.3%; and fatigue, which affected 70.6%. Students with dysmenorrhea had a 6.95 higher (odds ratio (OR) 6.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.39-14.25) odds of absenteeism; in those who reported dizziness, the odds of absenteeism was 4.82 times higher (OR 4.82; 1.76-13.23); in those who manifested nausea and vomiting, the percentage of absenteeism was 3.51 higher (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.51-8.15); in those who presented sleep alterations, the odds were 2.95 higher (OR 2.95; 95% CI 1.39-6.25); and for those who felt depressed the odds were 2.18 times higher (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.21-3.94) Absenteeism was found to be more likely in women with dysmenorrhea. However, in addition, higher odds of absenteeism were also found in women with nausea and vomiting, dizziness, sleep disorders, and those who feel depressed. These menstrual experiences can be considered a relevant problem among young women, leading to absenteeism, and a negative influence on academic performance. It is essential to raise awareness of the socioeconomic impact of absenteeism and establish new strategies for improving menstrual experiences.
Description
Citation
Fernández-Martínez, E., Onieva-Zafra, M. D., Abreu-Sánchez, A., Fernández-Muñóz, J. J., & Parra-Fernández, M. L. (2019). Absenteeism during Menstruation among Nursing Students in Spain. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010053
Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health