The association between anemia and menstrual cycle irregularities among adolescent girls: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Anemia in adolescent girls significantly impacts their reproductive health and overall quality of life, particularly concerning menstrual cycle regularity. A bidirectional relationship exists: irregular cycles or heavy menstrual bleeding can exacerbate anemia, while anemia itself can disrupt normal menstrual patterns. In Indonesia, the national prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls reaches 32%, with West Nusa Tenggara reporting an even higher rate of 41.4%. Specifically, in the West Rasanae District of Bima City, 666 adolescent girls were reported to suffer from anemia, highlighting an urgent public health concern.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between anemia and menstrual cycle patterns among adolescent girls at SMP Negeri 13 in Bima City.

Methods: A quantitative study utilizing a cross-sectional design was conducted. The population comprised 38 seventh-grade female students, all of whom were selected as participants using a total sampling technique. Data collection involved measuring hemoglobin levels using a digital hemoglobinometer (Easy Touch) and assessing menstrual cycle patterns through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test.

Results: The findings indicated that out of the 38 respondents, 23 (60.5%) were non-anemic, 9 (23.7%) had mild anemia, and 6 (15.8%) experienced moderate anemia. Regarding their menstrual patterns, 23 respondents (60.5%) reported regular menstrual cycles, whereas 15 respondents (39.5%) experienced irregular cycles. Bivariate statistical analysis revealed a highly significant relationship between anemia and menstrual cycle irregularities (p-value = 0.000; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between anemia and menstrual cycle patterns among adolescent girls. These findings underscore the critical need for routine hemoglobin screening and integrated reproductive health education within school-based health programs.