Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care, cilt.28, sa.6, ss.301-307, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)
Objectives: To evaluate menstruation characteristics, perceptions, and health-seeking behaviours in women. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study with 394 women between February 2021 and October 2021. According to the self-perception of women, menstruation characteristics were divided into two groups, including ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Assessment Form of the Menstrual Cycle Characteristics, and Health-Seeking Behaviour Scale. Results: Among all women, 49.7% perceived their menstruation characteristics as ‘normal’, and 50.3% perceived them as ‘abnormal’. The menstruation characteristics negatively affected the daily life of 57.6% of women in the normal group and 68.7% of women in the abnormal group. Online health-seeking behaviour was the most common behaviour of seeking remedy; however, professional health-seeking behaviour was inadequate. Among women who perceived their menstruation characteristics as ‘normal’, excessive menstrual bleeding, extreme pain, and adverse effects on daily life increased health-seeking behaviour. Among women who perceived their menstruation characteristics as ‘abnormal’, irregular cycles, frequent bleeding, low levels of bleeding, the use of too many pads, extreme pain, and adverse effects on daily life increased health-seeking behaviour. Conclusion: The participants in this study exhibited insufficient health-seeking behaviour for abnormal menstruation characteristics. Women should be directed by health professionals to reliable online sources to seek help, and they should be encouraged to display professional health-seeking behaviour. Short condensation: The knowledge and perception of menstruation characteristics among women is inadequate. The results of this study suggested that many gynecological symptoms that can affect women in their later stages of life may be unintentionally ignored.