Matsuura Yukie, Abe Yoko, Motoki Yoshie, Tran Nam Hoang, Yasui Toshiyuki
Department of Reproductive and Menopausal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
Department of Intercultural Studies, Faculty of Literature, Shikoku University, Tokushima 771-1192, Japan.
Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2023 Jul 21;13(7):1362-1377. doi: 10.3390/ejihpe13070099.
The number of Japan's international students has rapidly increased in the last decade. This study examines the relationship between menstrual abnormalities in cycle and symptoms, stress level, and lifestyle of female international students in Japan across three time periods, namely pre-arrival, difficult, and current time periods. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, including the menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), between December 2022 and February 2023. The questionnaire was distributed to 56 female international students from two universities in Japan, and a total of 29 valid responses were collected. We found varying menstrual cycle abnormalities and severity of menstrual symptoms across three time periods, with the difficult period after arrival in Japan displaying the highest symptom severity. Higher stress levels were significantly associated with more severe menstrual symptoms. Lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption were also linked to menstrual symptoms. The current study emphasizes the importance of providing menstrual education, support, and resources to address international students' unique challenges in managing their menstrual health while studying abroad. By promoting awareness, education, and access to healthcare services, universities may contribute to international students' well-being and academic success.
在过去十年中，日本的国际学生数量迅速增加。本研究考察了日本女性国际学生在三个时间段（即抵达前、困难期和当前时期）的月经周期异常与症状、压力水平和生活方式之间的关系。采用横断面设计，于2022年12月至2023年2月通过自填问卷收集数据，包括月经困扰问卷（MDQ）。问卷发放给了日本两所大学的56名女性国际学生，共收集到29份有效回复。我们发现，在三个时间段内，月经周期异常情况和月经症状的严重程度各不相同，抵达日本后的困难期症状严重程度最高。较高的压力水平与更严重的月经症状显著相关。饮酒等生活习惯也与月经症状有关。本研究强调了提供月经教育、支持和资源的重要性，以应对国际学生在国外学习期间管理月经健康方面的独特挑战。通过提高认识、开展教育并提供医疗服务，大学可以促进国际学生的福祉和学业成功。
