Unmet Needs and Experiences of Adolescent Girls with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Dysmenorrhea: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To identify and examine the key areas of need and explore the experiences of adolescent girls with heavy menstrual bleeding and/or dysmenorrhea. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative interview study using semi-structured interviews. Gynaecology outpatient clinic at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent girls (12-18 years; mean age, 14.8 ± 1.5 years) presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding and/or dysmenorrhea at the clinic (N = 30). INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and August 2018. Interview data were thematically analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Themes covered ..