Women's attitudes about menstruation and associated health and behavioral characteristics
Morrison, L.A.; Larkspur, L.; Calibuso, M.J.; Brown, S.
American Journal of Health Behavior 34(1): 90-100
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1945-7359 PMID: 19663756 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.34.1.11Document Number: 207153
To examine the relationships between attitudes towards menstruation, health, and behavioral characteristics. The 136 women who completed questionnaires varied in their sexual activity, sexual orientation, and use of hormonal contraception. Women's estimated cycle length was accurate when compared to observed cycle length (F (3,156) = .05; P = .98). Smokers had decreased durations of flow (P < .01). Depo-Provera users were less likely to view menstruation as natural compared to abstinent, sexually active heterosexuals or those using traditional oral contraception (F (5,141) = 2.43; P = .04). Hormonal contraception use, but not sexual orientation, was associated with attitudes about menstruation.