Exploring the Unmet Needs of Parents of Adolescent Girls with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Dysmenorrhea: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Study objective: To provide insight into the unmet needs of parents of adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding or dysmenorrhea, in the context of their daughters' menstrual concerns.

Design: Qualitative interview study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting: Gynecology outpatient clinic at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Participants: Parents of adolescent girls with heavy menstrual bleeding or dysmenorrhea recruited from an adolescent gynecology clinic between May and August 2018.

Interventions: In depth, semi-structured interviews with 24 parents whose daughters had heavy menstrual bleeding or dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Main outcome measures: Themes derived from interview transcripts about the supportive care needs of parents.

Results: Thirteen themes emerged in the interviews across 4 areas of need: (1) experiences with healthcare, (2) informational needs, (3) support and acceptance, and (4) financial impacts. Across the interviews, parents identified a need for greater awareness and education among parents and daughters, health professionals, and the broader community.

Conclusion: This research confirmed that parents play a significant role in daughters' menstrual health care and have a series of unmet needs. Strategies and interventions specifically targeting these parents may be warranted.

Keywords: Adolescents; Dysmenorrhea; Family dynamics; Heavy menstrual bleeding; Menstruation; Paediatric gynaecology; Unmet needs; Women's health; Young adults; Youth.