The Effect of Dark Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugars on Pain and Anxiety in University Students With Primary Dysmenorrhea

The Effect of Dark Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugars on Pain and Anxiety in University Students With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: In this prospective, randomized controlled study, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dark chocolate and cinnamon sugar on pain and anxiety in university students with primary dysmenorrhea. Design: The prospective, randomized controlled study

Inclusion Criteria:

• University students who had not given birth,
• Were between the ages of 18 and 25,
• Had regular menstrual cycles (28±7 days),
• Had menstrual pain severity of 5 or more on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in the previous month,
• Had primary dysmenorrhea, gave written informed consent,
• Volunteered to participate in the study were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The study included patients with hearing loss, pelvic pathology, neurological, endocrine or psychiatric disease, and chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus or heart disease, currently taking medication such as antidepressants or oral contraceptives,
• Menstrual irregularities,
• University students who had mental problems that prevented evaluation and cooperation, obesity, malignant condition, pelvic surgery, pregnancy, analgesic use, chocolate and cinnamon allergy,
• Use of any nutritional supplements, medication or non-drug application (reiki, meditation, reflexology, acupressure, etc.) to reduce pain,
• University students who did not volunteer to participate in the study were excluded.