Effectiveness of acupressure in relieving pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in selected schools at Kanyakumari district

Abstract

The present study is conducted to make out the impact of acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. To assess the level of pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea before and after acupressure in control and experimental group of adolescent girls. The conceptual framework of the present study was developed based on the Roy s adaptation model. The data were collected from 260 adolescent girls who were randomly assigned to control and experimental group. Adolescent girls may feel shy and embarrassed to discuss aspect of menstruation like dysmenorrhea consequently leading to ill health. It is believed that improving adolescents healthy life style and establish physical, mental and social balance, it is important for them to have a positive attitude towards dysmenorrheal which girls experience monthly, and to be able to use proactive self management methods. This study presents preliminary findings that acupressure at the Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoint may be an active way to alleviate primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. The SP6 acupressure protocol used in this study consisted of a simple set of non invasive action applied for 20 min and can be integrated in to clinical practice as an inexpensive and easy- to- learn nursing intervention for adolescent girls experiencing dysmenorrhea. Further research is merited, especially a randomized trial replicating the study or research to test a acupressure delivery methods varying in time interval and duration of treatment. The findings of the study show that there is a reduction in pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea among experimental group of adolescent girls, thus proving it to be effective when compared with control group of adolescent girls. Acupressure as an alternative therapy is safe, rejuvenating, free from side effects and can be practiced in their school and home setting. Adolescents in dysmenorrhea showed a positive attitude towards performing Acupressure, they showed readiness to practice.