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Clinical Trial
. 2019 Mar 19;14(3):e0214071.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214071. eCollection 2019.

Prevalence of irregular menstruation according to socioeconomic status: A population-based nationwide cross-sectional study

Yeunhee Kwak  1 , Yoonjung Kim  1 , Kyoung Ah Baek  2
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Prevalence of irregular menstruation according to socioeconomic status: A population-based nationwide cross-sectional study

Yeunhee Kwak et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Irregular menstruation is an important indicator of current and potential health problems. A woman's health is greatly influenced by her socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of irregular menstruation by socioeconomic status among South Korean women. Secondary data analyses were conducted among 4,709 women, aged 19-54 years, using raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010-2012), a nationally representative survey. Compared to women who graduated from university, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for those who graduated from elementary school or lower, middle school, and high school were 3.256 (1.969-5.385), 2.857 (1.866-4.376), and 1.607 (1.261-2.048), respectively. Compared to women with a medium-high income level, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for women with the highest household income level was 1.409 (1.091-1.819). Irregular menstruation was prevalent among adult women and appeared to be associated with socioeconomic status, especially in terms of education and household income. This study's findings suggest that attention must be paid to women with low educational levels or high household incomes, to ensure early diagnosis and the provision of medical attention for irregular menstruation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Flow chart of the study population.
KNHANES, Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Differences in irregular menstruation by socioeconomic status (n = 669).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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