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Abstract:
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The purpose of this cross -sectional , correlational study was to validate the factors that are related to dysmenorrhea in Taiwanese adolescents . The specific aims were to describe the perceived dysmenorrhea pain symptom experience (SE ) , related self -care strategies (SCS ) , and perceived effectiveness of self -care strategies (PESS ) ; to explore the relationships between SE , SCS , and PESS ; and to explore the influence of contextual factors on SE , SCS , and PESS . A conceptual framework based on the revised Symptom Management Model was developed and guided this study . A nonprobability sample of 165 adolescent participants was recruited from a technology university located in southern Taiwan . Inclusion criteria for participants were : (1 ) Taiwanese female adolescent , (2 ) age 15 -19 years old , and (3 ) willing to participate in this study . All participants and their parents completed the consent forms and completed the questionnaires in their classrooms during free studying time . Five instruments were used and data was analyzed by using the SPSS Version 14 .0 including descriptive statistical techniques , Pearson’s correlations , ANOVA , and multiple regression analysis .
The findings showed the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in this sample was 87 .3 % . There were 82 .4 % of participants who reported dysmenorrhea had influenced their daily activity , and 12 .7 % of participants who reported school absenteeism because of dysmenorrhea . Most of participants used self–care strategies for dysmenorrhea including avoiding cold food or drinks , drinking brown sugar and ginger soup , etc . The most frequently used self -care strategies and their effectiveness were described . Age , age of the first period , total menstrual years , eating cold food or drinks , self -care strategies , and mother’s perceived support of self -care strategies were significantly related to the log of symptom experience of dysmenorrhea . Total menstrual years and self -care strategies were identified as significant predictors of dysmenorrhea .
This study added to the body of nursing science regarding dysmenorrhea in Taiwanese adolescents . In particular , the findings supported the existence of relationships between self -care strategies and perceived effectiveness of self -care strategies . Building on these findings , future research should be conducted to design interventions that reduce the pain associated with dysmenorrhea for this population . |