Attitudes Toward and Experience with Menstruation in the US and India

Abstract

Sixty-seven women students who were attending a university in southern India and 61 women students who were attending a liberal arts college in New England volunteered to participate in this study. The women supplied demographic information, information about their knowledge and levels of preparedness prior to menarche, and sources of their information about the menstrual cycle. They also completed the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (Indian version), the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, and a test of knowledge about the menstrual cycle. American women scored significantly higher than Indian women on the knowledge test, and they also reported that they had better preparation for menarche than Indian women did. Indian women scored significantly higher than American women on the attitude subscales: Menstruation as a Natural Event and Denial of the Effects of Menstruation. Implications of these findings are discussed in light of cultural messages women receive.

Characteristics and Determinants of Primary Dysmenorrhea in Young Adults

“…On the other hand Indian women scored significantly higher for their positive attitude towards menstruation (Hoerster et al, 2003). Results from other studies coincided with our findings that majority (92.2%) of females regardless of age believed menstruation was a natural event also 71.1% believed that the onset of menstruation could be anticipated (Hoerster et al, 2003;Lu, 2001).…”

“…The readiness for menstrual event reflects the attitudes of women towards themselves and in turn their self esteem. Hoerster et al (2003) in their comparison between American and Indian women in knowledge and attitude towards menstruation found American women to score significantly higher for preparedness and knowledge for menstruation than the Indian women. On the other hand Indian women scored significantly higher for their positive attitude towards menstruation (Hoerster et al, 2003).…”

“…Hoerster et al (2003) in their comparison between American and Indian women in knowledge and attitude towards menstruation found American women to score significantly higher for preparedness and knowledge for menstruation than the Indian women. On the other hand Indian women scored significantly higher for their positive attitude towards menstruation (Hoerster et al, 2003). Results from other studies coincided with our findings that majority (92.2%) of females regardless of age believed menstruation was a natural event also 71.1% believed that the onset of menstruation could be anticipated (Hoerster et al, 2003;Lu, 2001).…”

Beliefs About and Attitudes Toward Menstruation Among Young and Middle-Aged Mexicans

“…In a more recent study, it was shown that Indian women college students viewed menstruation as more natural than did American women students, and they also denied the effects of menstruation more than did American women. On the other hand, American women viewed menstruation as more debilitating than did Indian women (Hoerster, Chrisler, & Rose, 2003). Finally, another recent study shows important differences in specific aspects of attitudes toward menstruation between British and Indian undergraduates.…”

Investigation of the relationship between premenstrual syndrome symptoms and lifelong mania/hypomania symptoms and declared personality structure

“…Elde edilen bu bulgunun aksine, literatürde özel-likle göğüslerde ve duyarlılık şeklinde kendini belli eden şişkinlik hissinin DDB'lerle doğrudan ilişkili olduğunu gösteren çalışmalar vardır. [34][35][36] PMS ve DDB ilişkisiyle ilgili olarak yapılan genel araştırmalar, PMS'li kadınlarda BB riskinin daha yüksek olduğunu öne sürmüştür. BB ve PMS'nin birlikte bulunduğu durumlarda duygudurum oynaklığı, öfke, irritabilite, bipolarite bulgularında sık relaps ve terapötik yanıtın daha olumsuz olduğu bildirilmiştir.…”