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Observational Study
. 2019 Dec 19;17(1):53.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010053.

Absenteeism during Menstruation among Nursing Students in Spain

Elia Fernández-Martínez  1 , María Dolores Onieva-Zafra  2 , Ana Abreu-Sánchez  1 , Juan José Fernández-Muñóz  3 , María Laura Parra-Fernández  2
Affiliations
Observational Study

Absenteeism during Menstruation among Nursing Students in Spain

Elia Fernández-Martínez et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

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.

Keywords: absenteeism; dysmenorrhea; menstrual experiences.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

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Figure 1
Flowchart of study participants.
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