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@article{203698,
        author = {Prof USHA and Dr Sulochana B and Dr Sushmitha Ramona Karkada},
        title = {Prevalence, Clinical Profile, and Treatment Gap in Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding among Adolescent Girls Aged 12–18 Years: An Urban–Rural Cross-Sectional Study from Coastal Karnataka, India},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {1800-1806},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=203698},
        abstract = {Background- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is a leading cause of menstrual morbidity during adolescence, arising from immaturity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. Despite its impact on academic performance and quality of life, comparative data on DUB burden across urban and rural school settings in India are limited. Objective quantification of menstrual blood loss using validated tools such as the Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) in community-based school settings is rarely reported in the Indian literature.
Objectives- To determine the prevalence of dysfunctional uterine bleeding among adolescent girls aged 12–18 years in urban and rural schools of Udupi district, Karnataka; to compare prevalence across settings; to characterise the clinical profile and functional burden; and to identify the treatment gap among affected adolescents.
Materials and Methods- A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1500 adolescent girls selected from urban (n=750) and rural (n=750) high schools and pre-university colleges of Udupi district, Karnataka. DUB was identified using standard criteria. Menstrual blood loss was objectively assessed using the validated Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC). Functional impact and treatment-seeking behaviour were recorded via a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS.
Results- The overall prevalence of DUB was 15.4% (n=231 out of 1500). Urban schools recorded a higher prevalence (17.0%) compared to rural schools (13.0%). Among affected adolescents, 31.1% had heavy menstrual bleeding (PBAC score >100). A significant functional burden was observed: 60.7% reported school absenteeism and 74.1% experienced menstrual disturbance. Despite this symptom burden, 48.1% of affected adolescents had not sought any medical treatment, indicating a substantial treatment gap.
Conclusion- DUB affects approximately one in six adolescent girls in coastal Karnataka, with a higher burden in urban settings. The condition causes significant academic and functional impairment. A major treatment gap exists, with nearly half of affected girls receiving no medical care. School-based screening using the PBAC and nurse-led health promotion are urgently recommended.},
        keywords = {Adolescents; Dysfunctional uterine bleeding; Menstrual disorders; Prevalence; School health; Urban–rural; Treatment gap; PBAC},
        month = {June},
        }