A study to assess the gynaecological problems among the adolescent girls attending the gynaecology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a transition phase wherein various physical, cognitive, sexual, psychosocial and mental developmental changes occur. The individual goes from puberty through adolescence to reach adulthood. Adolescent girls are hesitant in addressing and discussing their problems. However, since they occupy a significant proportion of society and their wellbeing is empirical, their problems need to be identified promptly. This study identifies major health conditions faced by adolescent girls.Methods: This research study was conducted at St. Stephen’s hospital, Delhi, a tertiary care centre in North India from February 2024 to April 2024. A total of 56 adolescent girls in the age group of 10 to 19 years attending gynaecology outpatient department of St. Stephen’s hospital, Delhi were included in this study.Results: Most of the girls attending gynaecological clinics were between 17-19 years of age and the most common problem encountered was menstrual irregularity (57%). Irregular menses was the most common menstrual complaint accounting to PCOS and hypothyroidism, followed by heavy menstrual bleeding.Conclusion: Health education regarding menstrual hygiene, menstrual problems and reproductive health is important for growing adolescents. Thus, setting up of adolescent clinics can be useful for them.