ABSTRACT

Objective: This studies was carried out to assess the nutritional sufficiency and the different menstrual patterns of adolescence using Body Mass index, This studies was done using adolescence to establish the fact that the BMI can be used to check the nutritional needs and menstrual cycle of teenagers, it is virtually seen that nutrients are the components in foods that an organism utilizes to survive and grow. Pattern of menstrual cycle will have a significant impact on a girl’s reproductive life and nutritional needs, which raises a concern for the girls and their families.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Body Mass Index and nutritional status on the menstrual pattern in adolescent girls.

Methods: Four hundred adolescent girls who attained menarche were selected from five different Schools in a particular Community in Nigeria. The data was collected by trained medical undergraduate and postgraduates by interviewing the adolescent school girls using a pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire. BMI was calculated using the formula: BMI (kg/m2) = Weight (kg) / Height 2 (m2)Hb and was estimated by Sahlis method using a haemoglobinometer. The Data was then analyzed

Results: The mean age of the girls was 14.96 +/- 1.5 years. Three hundred and five (76%) of the girls had a normal menstrual cycle, twenty-eight (7%) had frequent periods, fifty-two (13%) had infrequent periods and sixteen (4%) of the girls had totally irregular cycles and a pattern could not be determined. Three hundred and five (76%) of girls had a normal menstrual flow, sixty-eight (17%) had heavy flow and twenty-eight (7%) had scanty flow. One hundred fifty two (38%) of girls complained of premenstrual symptoms. Two hundred thirty one (60%) girls were clinically anemic. Two hundred and seventy seven (69%) had a BMI between 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2. One hundred and eight (27%) were underweight with a BMI of 14 – 18.49kg/m2, while sixteen (4%) were overweight with BMI 25 – 29.99 kg/m2. A statistically significant relationship was found between BMI and social class (P