ANXIETY AND MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT MENSTRUAL DISORDERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Menstruation indicates the beginning of a woman's reproductive years. A woman's menstrual cycle is influenced by various environmental and psychosocial factors. Menstrual disorders are problems related to a woman's normal menstrual cycle. Its symptoms can disrupt a woman's daily life. Menstrual disorders may occur at different ages among women depending on culture and menstrual cycle stage.

Objective: The present study examines the differences in anxiety and marital satisfaction among women with and without menstrual disorders. It is hypothesized that there will be a significant difference in anxiety and marital satisfaction among women with and without menstrual disorders.

Materials and methods: Purposive sampling method was used in selecting sample for the investigation. The total sample consisted of 120 women between the ages of 26 and 45 years, out of which 60 women had menstrual disorders and 60 women had no menstrual disorders. In addition to demographic information and menstrual history, the participants completed Beck Anxiety Scale and Brinda Amritraj Marital Satisfaction Scale. The obtained raw scores were statistically analyzed using t-test to identify the differences between the groups.

Results: According to the findings of the study, women with menstrual disorders scored higher on anxiety than women without menstrual disorders. Women with menstrual disorders also reported lower marital satisfaction than women without menstrual disorders.

Conclusion: Women's quality of life can be enhanced by raising awareness of the negative impacts of menstrual disorders and the solutions available. Women who have anxiety or similar mood problems throughout their menstrual periods may find it helpful to pursue treatment options such as medication, psychological treatment, lifestyle changes such as diet and regular exercise.

Keywords: Menstruation; Menstrual Disorders; Anxiety; Marital Satisfaction.