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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/185218
Self-reported menstrual alterations during the COVID-19 syndemic in Spain: a cross-sectional study
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Introduction: Available evidence suggests that there might be an association between the stressors experienced during the COVID- 19 syndemic and changes in menstrual patterns. The aim of this study was to assess self-reported menstrual alterations during the COVID-19 syndemic among women and people who menstruate aged 18-55 in Spain. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted (March-July 2021). Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed. This study was conducted as part of the 'Equity and Menstrual Health in Spain' research project. Results: Among participants (N=17,455), 39.4% reported menstrual alterations since the start of the syndemic. Participants selfreporting long COVID-19 presented higher odds of menstrual alterations (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI, 1.15-1.57). In participants with no history of COVID-19, the risk for self-reported menstrual alterations was significantly higher based on employment situation, among participants experiencing financial issues (eg, financial issues always/many times 25, being a carer, not having a gynecological condition and using hormonal contraception. Discussion and conclusions: Findings suggest an impact of the COVID-19 syndemic on menstrual patterns. Social inequities in reporting menstrual alterations were identified. While the risk of reporting menstrual alterations was higher among participants with long COVID-19, evidence is not conclusive. Further research on menstrual health in the context of COVID-19 is needed, also to inform policy and practice.
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MEDINA PERUCHA, Laura, et al. Self-reported menstrual alterations during the COVID-19 syndemic in Spain: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Womens Health. 2022. Vol. 2022: 14, num. 529-544. ISSN 1179-1411. [consulted: 8 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/185218