A Cross-Sectional Study of Various Gynaecological Profiles among Adolescents Attending Outpatient Department at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND Adolescents constitute about 21 % of Indian population. Adolescence is a period of major physiological change along with psychological and socio-behavioural changes. Issues in adolescent age group are not only different but are increasing over the years and need special consideration. Hence, as health care providers, we need to focus on young people as investing in their health today will reap rich rewards tomorrow. Our study focusses on the incidence of adolescents attending gynaecology outpatient department (OPD) and the different gynaecological profiles in adolescents attending OPD. METHODS 351 adolescent girls in the age group of 10 - 19 years attending gynaecological OPD of Dr. BRAMC, Bengaluru, from February’ 19 to January’ 20 were included in the study. All the adolescents presenting with various gynaecological profiles were evaluated by detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination after taking an informed consent. RESULTS There were 351 adolescent girls (5.37 %) attending the gynaecology OPD during the study period. Teenage pregnancy (38.4 %) was the commonest indication for OPD consultation among adolescent girls followed by irregular cycle (17.9 %). Pain abdomen, anaemia, white discharge per vagina (WDPV), urinary tract infections (UTI), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), heavy menstrual bleeding, breast pain, breast enlargement were few other complaints encountered during this study. CONCLUSIONS Teenage pregnancy and menstrual abnormalities are the most common issues seen in adolescents. Adolescent gynaecology needs increased awareness and greater attention. This can perhaps best be done by setting up specialised adolescent clinics and it is the need of the hour to protect and promote the health of teenagers. KEYWORDS Adolescents, Teenage Pregnancy, Menstrual Irregularities, Gynaecological Problems, Gynaecological Profile, Adolescent Issues