Menstrual Characteristics of Women with Sickle Cell Anaemia in a case control study at a Tertiary Hospital in Jigawa, North-west Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Menstruation is an important indicator of female reproductive function. Advances in the management of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) have improved survival into adulthood, increasing attention to reproductive health outcomes, including menstruation. The objective of this study is to compare menstrual characteristics between women with sickle cell anaemia and age-matched controls.

METHODOLOGY: A case-control study was conducted among women attending the sickle cell clinic of a tertiary hospital in North-west Nigeria. A total of 30 women with HbSS and 40 age-matched HbAA controls were recruited. Data on socio-demographic variables and menstrual history were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and haematocrit were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with the chi-square test and Pearson correlation. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Mean age at menarche was higher in the SCA group compared to controls (15.9 ± 1.6 vs. 14.3 ± 1.8 years, p = 0.002). Menarche was significantly associated with BMI and haemoglobin genotype. Most participants in both groups had normal menstrual cycle length (21-35 days) and duration (2-7 days). Dysmenorrhoea was common in both groups (70% vs. 77.5%), with no significant difference in severity. A small proportion of SCA participants reported vaso-occlusive crises during menstruation.

CONCLUSION

Women with sickle cell anaemia experience delayed menarche compared with controls, but most menstrual cycle parameters are comparable between groups. BMI is significantly associated with age at menarche.