Improving Menstrual Health Through BCC Among Bangladeshi University Students

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Behavior Change Communication (BCC) intervention in improving menstrual health among female university students in Bangladesh. The intervention focused on three outcomes: dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menstrual irregularity (MI), promoting a non-pharmacological, sustainable approach through behavioral and lifestyle changes. Three structured educational sessions on menstrual health, healthy diet, and physical activity were delivered by trained female educators between May 20 and June 30, 2023, at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal University, and Khulna University. Participation was voluntary. Reinforcement follow-ups were conducted every two months for six months. A quasi-experimental design was employed. Post-intervention data were collected from February to March 2024. Based on sample size calculations assuming a 30% reduction in disorder prevalence, 498 students (249 per group) were initially enrolled. After exclusions, 234 intervention and 238 control participants were analyzed for dysmenorrhea; 228 per group for PMS and MI. Propensity score matching (1:1, caliper 0.01, no replacement) yielded 98 matched participants per group for final analysis. Eligible participants were female students aged ≥19 years, residing in university dormitories. Data collection used validated Bengali-language, interviewer-administered questionnaires, based on relevant literature and menstrual health IEC materials. Trained female enumerators ensured data quality and participant comfort. Primary outcomes were: (1) Dysmenorrhea, measured by the Andersch and Milsom score (dichotomized Yes/No); (2) PMS, assessed using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool, with no/mild PMS and moderate to severe PMS/PMDD as the outcome; (3) MI, defined as self-reported menstrual cycles \35 days. The treatment variable was BCC exposure (Yes/No). Covariates included physical activity, BMI, dietary diversity (DDS