Perceptions and Treatment Seeking for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding among Women: A Qualitative Study

Background Barriers in seeking professional help for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) contribute to poor social, mental, emotional well-being of women in the Indian community. This study was undertaken to assess the perception and treatment seeking behaviour for AUB among women of reproductive age (WRA) group in rural Haryana. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs) with various stakeholders, including WRA, accredited social health activists (ASHA), multipurpose health workers (MPW), and gynaecologists. Thematic analysis was done to analyse both IDIs and FGDs. Results Four key domains were identified: perceptions about AUB, treatment-seeking behaviour, perceived impact, and barriers to seeking treatment. According to WRA, AUB was characterized by changes in the frequency, duration, amount, and quality of menstrual bleeding. They believed that AUB is associated with factors such as anaemia, weakness, Copper-T insertion, consumption of specific food items as well as inadequate nutrition. MPWs and ASHAs further added that AUB can lead to headaches, anaemia, uterine infections, stroke, and fainting. Barriers hindering seeking treatment included lack of accessible healthcare facilities, long queues in hospitals, high travel and medication costs, limited availability of female doctors, lack of support from family, illiteracy and a fear of potential side effects of drugs. Conclusions Gaps were identified in the understanding of causes as well as complications of AUB. Limited availability of female doctors, healthcare facilities, and insufficient family support pose major barriers to seeking treatment while the stigma surrounding menstrual health prevents open discussions within families.