Physical activity avoidance during menstruation - the role of coping and self-efficacy

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate self-efficacy and coping strategies in women who avoided physical activity during menstruation (avoiders), adapted their physical activity during menstruation (adaptors) or maintained their normal physical activity during menstruation (non-avoiders). Design: Online questionnaire study. Methods: Using an online survey which included sections on menstrual severity, menstrual attitude (menstrual self-evaluation questionnaire), coping (the pre-menstrual coping measure, and the coping inventory for stressful situations) and self-efficacy for exercise, 349 respondents were classified as: avoiders (40.7%), adapters (33.5%), and non-avoiders (25.8%). Results: Avoiders and adapters had similar menstrual symptoms, with menstrual flow and menstrual pain being greater in avoiders than non-avoiders (p<0.001). The positive elements of menstrual attitude were lower in avoiders compared to non-avoiders (p<0.05). Avoiders had lower task-focussed coping strategies (p<0.05), with pre-menstrual coping showing avoiders to have higher self-care and adjusting energy coping strategies (all p<0.01). Compared to non-avoiders and adapters, avoiders had lower self-efficacy for exercise (p