Acta Biomedica Scientia

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND WOMEN'S HEALTH: A STUDY OF MENTAL AND MENSTRUAL HEALTH IN OBG POST GRADUATE STUDENTS

Deepthi D1*, Prabhakar Reddy E

drpebyreddy@gmail.com

Mental health, Menstrual health, Stress, Oligomenorrhea, Postgraduate students, COVID-19

Mental health significantly influences menstrual health, particularly among female medical students facing academic stress. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated psychological distress among healthcare professionals, potentially affecting their reproductive health. This study aims to assess the association between mental health and menstrual health among female obstetrics and gynecology (OBG) postgraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female OBG postgraduate students at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Medical College, Pondicherry, in January and February 2022. Data were collected through an online self-reported questionnaire using Google Forms, which included demographic details, menstrual cycle patterns, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). A total of 325 responses were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between mental health and menstrual health, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that 80% of participants had regular menstrual cycles, while 20% experienced irregularities. Oligomenorrhea was reported by 70% of participants. Stress due to excessive workload was the primary concern (52.3%), followed by family issues (19%), childcare responsibilities (9%), exam stress (7%), and fear of COVID-19 (6%). A significant correlation was observed between psychological distress and menstrual irregularities (p < 0.05), indicating that mental health plays a crucial role in reproductive well-being. Conclusion: The findings highlight a strong association between mental health and menstrual health among female OBG postgraduate students. Addressing psychological distress through institutional support, stress management programs, and counseling services could improve both mental well-being and reproductive health outcomes. Further longitudinal studies are required to explore the long-term effects of stress on menstrual health