A Correlational Study: Fast Food Consumption Patterns And Menstrual Cycle Regularity In Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Adolescence is an important period of development marked by the maturation of the reproductive system and the onset of menstruation. A regular menstrual cycle becomes an indicator of a healthy reproductive system. However, a preliminary study showed that 68.4% female students experienced menstrual disorders. One suspected factor influencing the condition is fast-food consumption. This paper examines the relationship between fast-food consumption patterns and menstrual cycle regularity among adolescent girls. This paper was a correlational study. It used a cross-sectional research approach. It was conducted at MAAl-Munawwaroh, Kembangbahu, Lamongan, during January-March 2026. The population consisted of all female students at MA Al-Munawwaroh, totaling 45. The sample included 45 female students using a total sampling technique. The instruments were a menstrual cycle regularity checklist and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Data analysis used the test Chi-Square with α=0.05. Most respondents hadhigh fast-food consumption patterns (71.1%), and almost half had low fast-food consumption (28.9%). In addition, half of the respondents had irregular menstrual cycles (53.3%), and almost half had regular menstrual cycles (46.7%). The Chi-Square test yielded p = 0.000, indicating a relationship between fast-food consumption patterns and menstrual cycle regularity among adolescent girls. In conclusion, fast-food consumption patterns correlate with menstrual cycle regularity among adolescent girls. Adolescent girls should increase awareness of adopting a healthy, balanced diet and limit fast-food consumption to help balance hormone levels, so that menstrual cycles become regular and the reproductive system remains healthy.