Management of menstrual disorder in adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities: a blessing or a curse?

• Main Authors: Abu Ishak, Nurkhairulnisa, Kah, Teik Chew, Zainuddin, Ani Amelia, Lim, Pei Shan, Shafie, Mohd Nassir, Kampan, Nirmala, Wan Ismail, Wan Salwina, Grover, Sonia, Abdul Ghani, Nur Azurah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: HIndawi 2018
• Subjects: RG Gynecology and obstetrics
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/66388/1/9795681-2018%20Dr%20Khairulnisa.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/66388/; https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ogi/2018/9795681/

Objective. This study aims to describe the menstrual pattern and menstrual care of girls with intellectual disabilities and to evaluate the impact of menstruation and awareness of parents/guardians on girls with intellectual disabilities. Methodology. Parents/guardians of girls aged 9–17 years with known intellectual disabilities who attended a scheduled public forum and Paediatrics and Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic (PAC) were recruited in a questionnaire-based study. Results. A total of 123 parents/guardians with a mean age of 41.83 ± 5.45 years completed the questionnaire. The mean age of girls with intellectual disabilities was 12.28 ± 2.78 years, and the mean menarcheal age was 11.12 ± 1.76 years. Only 53 (43.1%) parents/guardians were aware of availability of menstrual suppression. Parents/guardians with lower family income (OR = 0.00; 95% CI = 0.00–0.20), unable to manage menses (OR = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.00–0.61), and moderate severity of menses (OR = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.00–1.21), were associated with seeking medical help on menstrual suppression. The factors associated with parents/guardians requesting for sterilization were lower family income (OR = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.00–0.36) and concern about sexual abuse (OR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.06–0.39). Conclusion. Menstrual pattern in girls with intellectual disabilities is similar to those without disabilities. Parents/guardians’ knowledge and awareness on menstrual suppression were still lacking.