Relationship between Stress Levels and Menstrual Cycle Disorders in Final Year Nursing Study Program Students

Abstract

Stress is a condition in which the pituitary gland experiences a load, causing the release of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), which increases cortisol levels and potentially causes irregularities in the menstrual cycle. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between stress levels and menstrual cycle disorders in final-year female college students. This study applied a quantitative analysis method with a cross-sectional research design. Sampling was done by the total sampling of 49 people. Data were collected through the use of two types of questionnaires, namely the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire and a questionnaire about the menstrual cycle. From the results of the study, it was found that 13 people (26.5%) experienced a menstrual cycle with a duration of less than 21 days, 23 people (47%) with a duration of 21-35 days, and 13 people (26.5%) with a duration of more than 35 days. the results of measuring stress levels obtained 2 people (4.1%) were in normal conditions, 3 people (6.1%) experienced mild stress, 7 people (14.3%) experienced moderate stress, 31 people (63.3%) experienced severe stress, and 6 people (12.2%) experienced very severe stress. Analysis using the Person Chi-Square test obtained a significant relationship between stress levels and menstrual cycle disorders (asymp sig 0.009).