Assessment of Menstrual Disorders Among Adolescent Girls Attending Al Sukar Primary Health Care Center in Mosul City

Background: Menstrual disorders are common health problems among adolescent girls and may negatively affect their physical, psychological, social, and academic wellbeing. Early identification and management of these disorders are important to reduce their adverse effects and improve quality of life. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and pattern of menstrual disorders among adolescent girls attending Al Sukar Primary Health Care Center in Mosul city and to evaluate the association between body mass index and menstrual irregularities. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Al Sukar Primary Health Care Center in Mosul city from November 2024 to February 2026. A convenient sample of 300 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years was included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through direct interviews. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual patterns, menstrual disorders, and body mass index was obtained. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 31, and statistical significance was considered at p-value <0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.8 ± 2.1 years. Irregular menstrual cycles were reported in 34.3% of participants. Dysmenorrhea was the most common menstrual disorder affecting 67% of participants, followed by premenstrual symptoms (57.7%) and heavy menstrual bleeding (24.3%). Moderate dysmenorrhea represented the highest severity grade (58.7%). School absenteeism related to menstruation was reported by 32% of participants. Menstrual irregularities were significantly more common among overweight and obese adolescents compared with those having normal body mass index (P = 0.033). Conclusions: Menstrual disorders were highly prevalent among adolescent girls, particularly dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities. Abnormal body mass index was significantly associated with menstrual irregularities. Health education, early screening, and promotion of healthy lifestyle practices are recommended to improve menstrual health among adolescents.