Menstrual Health Education's Impact on Knowledge, Attitudes and Self Care Behavior of Dysmenorrheal Adolescents

Impact of Menstrual Health Education on Knowledge, Attitudes and Self Care Behavior of Female Adolescents With Primary Dysmenorrhea

This study will be a randomized controlled trial. This study will be conducted in F G modal for girls' I/8-4, Federal Government College for Women and Islamabad Model College for Girls. A sample size of 138 patients will be taken. Patients will be divided into two groups by lottery method. Group A will receive Educational sessions and informational pamphlet while Group B will only receive the pamphlets. Experimental group will receive for 4 sessions (2 per week). The outcome measures Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), Dysmenorrhoeic Knowledge Scale (DKS) and Dysmenorrhoeic Self-Care behavior Scale (DSCBS) will be measured at baseline, and at the end of week 2 and after 3 months. Data will be analyzed by SPSS 21.

Dysmenorrhea, characterized by painful cramps of the uterus during menstruation. It affects up to 95% of menstruating women. Dysmenorrhea is classified as primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual cramping pain that occurs immediately before or during menstruation in the absence of any pelvic pathology. The pain commonly starts within 3 years of menarche (the first menstrual period). Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea varies from between 16 to 91% in reproductive aged women. Primary dysmenorrhea is the leading women hood problem that affects 90% of adolescent girls. Its prevalence decreases with increasing age in a large percentage of sufferers.

A study conducted in China concluded that nurse-managed education program improved adolescent girls' menstrual knowledge, promoted a more positive attitude, encouraged confidence, and improved pain relief practice. Another study conducted in Taiwan showed that the prevalence in dysmenorrhea in female adolescents was high, but they were lacking in dysmenorrhea related self-care knowledge. An Australian study concluded that the prevalence and impact of dysmenorrhea on Grade 11 and 12 girls is high, girls need more education on this area to prevent unnecessary suffering and interruption to school routine as they lack knowledge of and experience with effective treatment. A cross-sectional, internet-based survey was conducted, concluded that one in 3 women quit daily activities owing to menstrual symptoms. Half of all women did not mention menstrual complaints being the reason for transferring tasks in a family setting. However, considering the impact of menstrual symptoms on daily activities in a large group of women, it is time to open the societal dialogue and improve education for both patients and doctors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adolescent girls aged 13-19 years of age.
• Experienced dysmenorrhea cramps 2 or more times during the last 6 months.
• Dysmenorrhea diagnosed using working ability, location, intensity, days of pain, dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD) score.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Unwilling to participate.

  • Known cases of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorder
  • Minors whose parents do not allow.