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Absenteeism during Menstruation among Nursing Students in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Elia Fernández-Martínez

    (Department of Nursing, University of Huelva, 21004 Huelva, Spain)

  • María Dolores Onieva-Zafra

    (Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of Castilla-La-Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain)

  • Ana Abreu-Sánchez

    (Department of Nursing, University of Huelva, 21004 Huelva, Spain)

  • Juan José Fernández-Muñóz

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain)

  • María Laura Parra-Fernández

    (Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of Castilla-La-Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain)

Abstract

Absenteeism can clearly have a negative impact on academic performance among university students. Certain experiences or symptoms such as menstrual pain are very common in women and can lead to absenteeism. The current study was aimed at examining the presence of menstrual experiences or symptoms and their impact upon absenteeism among healthy (illness-free) female university nursing students in Spain. A total of 299 students participated in this research, which was a descriptive cross-sectional, observational study. An ad hoc online questionnaire was used based on sociodemographic and gynecological data, together with the noted menstrual experiences; the most prevalent of which were bloating, which affected 87.3% of students; dysmenorrhea and irritability, which affected 76.3%; and fatigue, which affected 70.6%. Students with dysmenorrhea had a 6.95 higher (odds ratio (OR) 6.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.39–14.25) odds of absenteeism; in those who reported dizziness, the odds of absenteeism was 4.82 times higher (OR 4.82; 1.76–13.23); in those who manifested nausea and vomiting, the percentage of absenteeism was 3.51 higher (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.51–8.15); in those who presented sleep alterations, the odds were 2.95 higher (OR 2.95; 95% CI 1.39–6.25); and for those who felt depressed the odds were 2.18 times higher (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.21–3.94) Absenteeism was found to be more likely in women with dysmenorrhea. However, in addition, higher odds of absenteeism were also found in women with nausea and vomiting, dizziness, sleep disorders, and those who feel depressed. These menstrual experiences can be considered a relevant problem among young women, leading to absenteeism, and a negative influence on academic performance. It is essential to raise awareness of the socioeconomic impact of absenteeism and establish new strategies for improving menstrual experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Elia Fernández-Martínez & María Dolores Onieva-Zafra & Ana Abreu-Sánchez & Juan José Fernández-Muñóz & María Laura Parra-Fernández, 2019. "Absenteeism during Menstruation among Nursing Students in Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2019:i:1:p:53-:d:299926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mike Armour & Kelly Parry & Mahmoud A Al-Dabbas & Christina Curry & Kathryn Holmes & Freya MacMillan & Tania Ferfolja & Caroline A Smith, 2019. "Self-care strategies and sources of knowledge on menstruation in 12,526 young women with dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Jing Jing Su & Deborah Lindell, 2016. "Promoting the menstrual health of adolescent girls in China," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(4), pages 481-487, December.
    3. Hapuarachchige Sewvandi Maliga Sampath Kumari Wijesiri & Thusharie Sugandhika Suresh, 2013. "Knowledge and attitudes towards dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in an urban school in Sri Lanka," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(1), pages 58-64, March.
    4. Scambler, Annette & Scambler, Graham, 1985. "Menstrual symptoms, attitudes and consulting behaviour," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 20(10), pages 1065-1068, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ya-Lin Fu & Chia-Ling Yang & Shu-Chuan Yu & Yun-Hsuan Lin & Hsiao-Pei Hsu & Chiu-Mieh Huang, 2021. "Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Menstrual Distress during Clinical Practice: A Q-Methodology Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-10, March.

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