Anitha Narasimhaiah1, Nutan Saha2
BACKGROUND
Adolescents constitute about 21 % of Indian population. Adolescence is a period
of major physiological change along with psychological and socio-behavioural
changes. Issues in adolescent age group are not only different but are increasing
over the years and need special consideration. Hence, as health care providers,
we need to focus on young people as investing in their health today will reap rich
rewards tomorrow. Our study focusses on the incidence of adolescents attending
gynaecology outpatient department (OPD) and the different gynaecological
profiles in adolescents attending OPD.
METHODS
351 adolescent girls in the age group of 10 - 19 years attending gynaecological
OPD of Dr. BRAMC, Bengaluru, from February’ 19 to January’ 20 were included in
the study. All the adolescents presenting with various gynaecological profiles were
evaluated by detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination after taking
an informed consent.
RESULTS
There were 351 adolescent girls (5.37 %) attending the gynaecology OPD during
the study period. Teenage pregnancy (38.4 %) was the commonest indication for
OPD consultation among adolescent girls followed by irregular cycle (17.9 %). Pain
abdomen, anaemia, white discharge per vagina (WDPV), urinary tract infections
(UTI), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), heavy menstrual bleeding, breast
pain, breast enlargement were few other complaints encountered during this
study.
CONCLUSIONS
Teenage pregnancy and menstrual abnormalities are the most common issues
seen in adolescents. Adolescent gynaecology needs increased awareness and
greater attention. This can perhaps best be done by setting up specialised
adolescent clinics and it is the need of the hour to protect and promote the health
of teenagers.
