Menstrual Disorders and Lifestyle Patterns among Female Students at Lattakia University

Abstract

The prevalence of menstrual disorders among women ranges from 5% to 35.6%, depending on age, country of residence, and occupation. These irregularities can result from several factors, including hormonal factors, nutritional and environmental factors. Menstrual disorders cause many complications including infertility problems and difficulty in pregnancy. The current study aimed to assess menstrual disorders and lifestyle patterns among female students at Lattakia University. A descriptive approach was used. The study was conducted during the period from 1/5/ 2025 to 1/ 7/ 2025. The sample included 100 female students, selected using convenience sampling from the faculties of Nursing, Arts, Humanities, Economics, and Education. The research tools were developed by the researcher after reviewing relevant references. The results showed that a quarter of the female students suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, and about half of them suffer from dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding. As for lifestyles, the results showed that more than half of the female students occasionally eat fast food, half of them eat canned food all the time, one-fifth never do moderate exercise, and more than a third smoke hookah regularly. The current study recommended the need to intensify health education campaigns on menstrual disorders and risk factors, and to strengthen the role of the College of Nursing by working to link it with various sectors of society.