Menstrual Health Symptoms and Literacy among Young Women in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Study Objective

To explore menstrual cycle symptoms, information sources, and menstrual health literacy in young women (age 13-25) and those who menstruate in Aotearoa New Zealand

Design and Setting

A cross-sectional online survey in Aotearoa New Zealand was used.

Participants

The participants were 1334 respondents (age 13-25 years, mean age 19.8) who had had at least 3 periods and were currently living in New Zealand.

Interventions

An online survey was hosted by Qualtrics between October 2021 and January 2022.

Main Outcome Measures

Information was obtained on menstrual cycle characteristics and symptoms and menstrual health literacy.

Results and Conclusions

Respondents reported high rates of regular dysmenorrhea (89%), fatigue/tiredness (78.1%), and mood changes (72.5%) associated with menstruation. A higher proportion of rangatahi (younger generation) Māori reported irregular cycles (53.5%) compared with non-Māori respondents (41.7%). Normalization of symptoms, especially pain (80.2%), was high. Most respondents recognized the need to see a doctor for period pain that impacted their daily lives (84.7%). However, noncyclical pelvic pain (45.7%), heavy bleeding (39%), and intermenstrual bleeding (29%) were less likely to be recognized as symptoms that require a doctor's visit. The main sources of menstrual health knowledge before menarche were a family member (74.2%) and health and physical education classes at school (63.7%). Many young people reported receiving little or no information about periods before menarche (37.9%), with very few respondents receiving information on how to manage menstrual symptoms (15.1%). Menstrual symptoms are common, and the provision of culturally safe information and opportunities to learn is important for young people, whānau, schools, and health care practitioners.