Menstrual Disorders and Body Mass Index among Adolescent Girls at Secondary School in Baghdad City

Background: Scientific evidence suggests that Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly impacts menstrual cycle regularity among adolescent girls.Objectives: This study aims to assess the BMI of adolescent girls attending secondary schools in Baghdad and to explore the influence of BMI on their menstrual patterns.Methodology: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted from March 6 to June 8, 2022, involving a purposive sample of 150 adolescent girls from three secondary schools in Baghdad. Data were collected through structured interviews using a questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographic information, BMI, dietary habits, menstrual patterns, and symptoms of menstrual disorders. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.Results: The findings revealed that 66.66% of the participants had a normal BMI (18.525 kg/m), with 73.3% reporting menarche between the ages of 11 and 13. Most girls (63.33%) had regular menstrual cycles, while 36.66% experienced frequent periods. The most common menstrual disorder was moderate dysmenorrhea, reported by 48% of the participants. Common symptoms included abdominal pain, fatigue, and menorrhagia.Conclusion: The majority of adolescent girls in this study had a normal BMI and demonstrated awareness of menstrual disorders and associated symptoms.