Relationship between Body Mass Index and Menstrual pattern among Female Nursing Students

Mohamed, Eman Salah; Nasr, Elsaida Gouda; Abaza, Samar Elrefaey; Ahmed, Asmaa Mohamed

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2025.435935

Relationship between Body Mass Index and Menstrual pattern among Female Nursing Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator in Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing- Faculty of Nursing Al- Fayoum University, Egypt.

² Assistant Professor of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University, Egypt.

³ Lecturer at Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing- Faculty of Nursing Fayoum University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2025.435935

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a stage of maturation and a time of social,
psychological, emotional, and physical transformation. Menstruation, is a
physical expression of the intricate endocrine system and the ultimate indication
of femininity. Being overweight, obese, or underweight can result in irregular
ovulation. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between BMI and menstrual
pattern among female nursing students at El Fayoum University. Design: A
Comparative Descriptive Study design was used. Setting: The study was carried
out at Faculty of Nursing El Fayoum University, Egypt. Sample: Two Groups
of nursing students (n=200) (100 obese students and 100 non-obese students).
Tools: Four tools were used for data collection. Tool I: A Structured
interviewing questionnaire: Included (A) Socio demographic data. (B) Food
habits of female students. (C) Menstrual assessment Tool II: Premenstrual
symptoms assessment. Tool III: Assessment of intensity of menstrual pain.
Tool (IV): BMI Assessment Sheet. Results: The findings of present study
revealed that there was highly statistically significant negative correlation between
BMI and pain intensity during menstrual cycle among the studied none obese female
nursing students. While, there was highly statistically significant positive correlation
between BMI and pain intensity during menstrual cycle among the studied obese
female nursing students. Conclusion: According to the study's findings, high and
low BMI have a negative effect on the menstrual cycle. Lifestyle changes and
dietary guidance could help with menstrual issues. Recommendation: The
study suggests implementing an educational program for adolescent's females to
promote their awareness about the role that lifestyle and dietary factors have in
reducing the symptoms of menstrual distress