An Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Acupressure on Dysmenorrhea Pain among Adolescents in Selected Colleges, Karnataka
Received: 20-Jul-2022 / Manuscript No. jcmhe-22-69836 / Editor assigned: 22-Jul-2022 / PreQC No. jcmhe-22-69836 (PQ) / Reviewed: 05-Aug-2022 / QC No. jcmhe-22-69836 / Revised: 10-Aug-2022 / Manuscript No. jcmhe-22-69836 (R) / Published Date: 17-Aug-2022
Abstract
Dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is pelvic or lower abdominal cyclic or recurrent pain, associated to menstruation. It is the most common gynaecological complaint among young women, with prevalence between 43% and 93%. According to symptoms intensity, it is also major cause for school or work absenteeism. The objectives of the study was to assess the level of dysmenorrhea pain in experimental and control group of adolescent girls, compare the pre and post-test scores within and between the experimental and control group, evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on the level of dysmenorrhea pain in experimental and control group and to find out an association between the pre-test dysmenorrhea pain scores in both experimental and control group with their selected socio-demographic variables. The research design for the study was quasi experimental design with pre-test post-test having non-equivalent control group. The study was conducted in nursing colleges. Regarding effectiveness of acupressure, the overall median score of experimental group in the pre-test was 7.5 and 2 in the post test with enhancement of 4.81 and it was significant at P<0.001% level and the overall median score of control group in the pre-test was 8 and 4.5 in the post with mild enhancement of 4.85 with the Z=8.58 in Pre-test and Z=3.88 in post-test, this shows that there was significant at P<0.001% level. Analysis of socio-demographic variables showed that there is no significant association at 5% level (P>0.05) both in experimental group and control group. The findings of this study support the need for nurses to conduct the experiment to decrease the level of dysmenorrhea pain of adolescent girls in selected nursing colleges a Bangalore. And had a remarkable decrease in the level of dysmenorrhea pain when compared to their level of dysmenorrhea pain, prior to the application of the acupressure.
Keywords
Dysmenorrhea; Acupressure; Adolescent girls
Introduction
Acupressure (Chinese-Tui na), is an alternative medicine technique often used in conjunction with acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through "meridians" in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points or ashi trigger points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices [1].
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the pre-test and post-test level of dysmenorrhea pain in experimental and control group of adolescent girls.
2. To compare the pre and post-test scores within and between the experimental and control group.
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on the level of dysmenorrhea pain in experimental and control group.
4. To find out an association between the pre-test scores of pain level in both experimental and control group with their selected sociodemographic variables.
Methodology
A quasi experimental design with pre-test-post-test having non-equivalent control group was used. Population for the present study comprises of all subjects who were studying in nursing colleges, Bengaluru. The sample size for the present study consists of 60 subjects. In this study, Tippet Random Number Table was used for selecting the subjects from the sample frame [2].
The above Table 1 shows that In reference to age of the sample, in experimental group, 17(56.67%) belong to age group of 14-15 years, 7(23.33%) belong to age group of 12-13 years, 6(20%) belong to age group of 16 years and above. In control group 12(40%) belong to age group of 14-15 years, 9(30%) belong to age group of 12-13 years, 9(30%) belong to age group of 16 years and above. In context with the religion, in experimental group, 21(70%) belongs to Hindu religion, 7(23.33%) belongs to Muslim religion, 2(6.67%) belongs to Christian religion and in control group, 21(70%) belongs to Hindu religion, 6(20%) belongs to Muslim religion, 3(10%) belongs to Christian religion Considering the type of family, in experimental group, 17(56.67%) belongs to nuclear family, 7(23.33%) belongs to joint family and 6(20%) belongs to extended family and in control group, 18(60%) belongs to nuclear family, 7(23.33%) belongs to joint family and 5(16.67%) belongs to extended family. In relation to monthly income, in experimental group, 12(40%) having income of above 15,000, 10(33.33%) having income of 10,001 to 15,000, 4(13.33%) having income of 5001 to 10000, 4(13.33%) having income of Less than 5000 and in control group 12(40%) having income of 5001 to 10000, 11(36.67%) having income of 10001 to 15000, 4(13.33%) having income of above 15000, 3(10%) having income of Less than 5000. Pertaining to the education of mother, in experimental group 10(33.33%) samples had post graduate education, 9(30%) samples had undergraduate education, 6(20%) subjects are illiterate, 5(16.67%) subjects had higher secondary education and in control group 11(36.67%) subjects had higher secondary education, 9(30%) samples had undergraduate education, 7(23.33%) subjects are illiterate, 3(16.67%) subjects had post graduate education. In the aspect to education of father, in experimental group 10(33.33%) samples had higher secondary education, 9(30%) samples had undergraduate education, 8(26.67%) subjects had post graduate education, 3(10%) subjects are illiterate and in control group 11(36.67%) subjects had higher secondary education, 9(30%) samples are illiterate, 6(20%) subjects had undergraduate education, 4(13.33%) subjects had post graduate education. With regards to the source of income, in experimental group 16(53.33%) had no information, 6(20%) had information through mass media, 6(20%) had information through health professionals, 2(6.67%) had information through friends and relatives and in control group 15(50%) had no information, 6(20%) had information through mass media, 6(20%) had information through friends and relatives, 3(6.67%) had information through health professionals about acupressure on dysmenorrhea pain [3].
Frequency and percentage distribution of Adolescence Girls n=60 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sl. No | Demographic variables | Experimental Group | Control Group | ||
Frequency | Percentage | Frequency | Percentage | ||
1 | Age in years | ||||
12 - 13 years | 7 | 23.33333 | 9 | 30 | |
14 - 15 years | 17 | 56.66667 | 12 | 40 | |
16 Years and above | 6 | 20 | 9 | 30 | |
2 | Religion | ||||
Hindu | 21 | 70 | 21 | 70 | |
Muslim | 7 | 23.33333 | 6 | 20 | |
Christian | 2 | 6.666667 | 3 | 10 | |
Others | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | Type of Family | ||||
Joint | 7 | 23.33 | 7 | 23.33333 | |
Extended | 6 | 20 | 5 | 16.66667 | |
Nuclear | 17 | 56.66667 | 18 | 60 | |
4 | Monthly income | ||||
Less than 5000 | 4 | 13.33333 | 3 | 10 | |
5001 to 10000 | 4 | 13.33333 | 12 | 40 | |
10001 to 15000 | 10 | 33.33333 | 11 | 36.66667 | |
Above 150000 | 12 | 40 | 4 | 13.33333 | |
5 | Education of mother | ||||
Illiterate | 6 | 20 | 7 | 23.33333 | |
Higher Secondary | 5 | 16.66667 | 11 | 36.66667 | |
Under Graduate | 9 | 30 | 9 | 30 | |
Post Graduate | 10 | 33.33333 | 3 | 10 | |
6 | Education of Father | ||||
Illiterate | 3 | 10 | 9 | 30 | |
Higher Secondary | 10 | 33.33333 | 11 | 36.66667 | |
Under Graduate | 9 | 30 | 6 | 20 | |
Post Graduate | 8 | 26.66667 | 4 | 13.33333 | |
7 | Source of Information | ||||
Health Professionals | 6 | 20 | 3 | 10 | |
Mass Media | 6 | 20 | 6 | 20 | |
Friends and relatives | 2 | 6.666667 | 6 | 20 | |
No Information | 16 | 53.33333 | 15 | 50 |
Table 1: Frequency and percentage distribution of demographic variables of the adolescent Girls according to age, religion, type of family, monthly income, education of mother, education of father, source of information about acupressure on dysmenorrhea pain level.
The below Table 2 shows that in reference to family history of dysmenorrhea of the samples, in experimental group, 25(83.3%) have no history of dysmenorrhea, 5(16.6%) have history of dysmenorrhea and in control group 23(76.6%) have no history of dysmenorrhea, 7(23.3%) have no history of dysmenorrhea. In context to the age at menarche, in experimental group, 20(66.6%) samples had menarche at 13-14 years, 8(26.6%) samples had menarche at 15-16 years, 2(6.6%) samples had menarche at 11-12 years and in control group, 22(73.3%) samples had menarche at 13-14 years, 5(16.6%) samples had menarche at 15-16 years, 3(10%) samples had menarche at 11-12 years [4].
Sl. No. | Clinical variables | Experimental Group | Control Group | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frequency | Percentage | Frequency | Percentage | ||
1 | Family history of dysmennorrhea | ||||
yes | 5 | 16.6 | 7 | 23.3 | |
No | 25 | 83.3 | 23 | 76.6 | |
2 | Age at menarche | ||||
11-12 years | 2 | 6.6 | 3 | 10 | |
13-14 years | 20 | 66.6 | 22 | 73.3 | |
15-16 years | 8 | 26.6 | 5 | 16.6 | |
3 | Length of cycles in days | ||||
<20 days | 3 | 10 | 1 | 3.3 | |
28-30 days | 22 | 73.3 | 24 | 80 | |
31-35 days | 2 | 6.6 | 1 | 3.3 | |
More than 36 days | 3 | 10 | 4 | 13.3 | |
4 | Duration of bleeding | ||||
3-5 days | 26 | 86.6 | 26 | 86.6 | |
6-8 days | 3 | 10 | 4 | 13.3 | |
8 days and above | 1 | 3.3 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | Menstrual cycle | ||||
Regular | 27 | 90 | 26 | 86.6 | |
Irregular | 3 | 10 | 4 | 13.3 |
Table 2: Frequency and percentage distribution of the adolescent Girls according to clinical profile proforma such as Family history of dysmennorrhea, Age at menarche, Length of cycles in days, Duration of bleeding, Menstrual cycle.
Considering the length of cycles in days, in experimental group, 22(73.3%) samples having 28-30 days length of cycles, 3(10%) samples having more than 36 days length of cycles, 3(10%) samples having less than 20 days length of cycles, 2(6.6%) samples having 31-35 days length of cycles and in control group, 24(80%) samples having 28-30 days length of cycles, 4(13.3%) samples having more than 36 days length of cycles, 1(3.3%) samples having less than 20 days length of cycles, 1(3.3%) samples having 31-35 days length of cycles. In relation to duration of bleeding, in experimental group, 26(86.6%) having bleeding for the duration of 3-5 days, 3(10%) having bleeding for the duration of 6-8 days, 1(3.3%) having bleeding for the duration of 8 days and above and in control group 26(86.6%) having bleeding for the duration of 3-5 days, 4(13.33%) having bleeding for the duration of 6-8 days, 0(0%) having bleeding for the duration of 8 days. Pertaining to the menstrual cycle, in experimental group 27(90%) samples had regular menstrual cycle, 3(10%) samples had irregular menstrual cycle and in control group 26(86.6%) samples had regular menstrual cycle, 4(13.3%) samples had irregular menstrual cycle [5].
The below Table 3 shows the distribution of dysmenorrhea pain level among adolescent girls before the application acupressure. It revealed that in pre-test, in experimental group, majority of the subjects, 24 (80%) had severe pain, 6 (20%) subjects had moderate pain, 0(0%) had mild pain and in control group majority of the subjects, 22 (73.3%) had severe pain, 8 (26.6%) subjects had moderate pain, 0(0%) had mild pain.
Sl. no | Pre-test dysmenorrhea pain | Experimental group | Control group | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frequency | Percentage | Frequency | Percentage | ||
1 | Mild pain (1-3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2 | Moderate pain (4-6) | 6 | 20 | 8 | 26.6 |
3 | Severe pain (7-10) | 24 | 80 | 22 | 73.3 |
Overall | 30 | 100 | 30 | 100 |
Table 3: Frequency and percentage distribution of adolescent girls according to the pre-test score of dysmenorrhea pain level in both experimental and control group.
The below Table 4 shows the distribution of dysmenorrhea pain level among adolescent girls after the application acupressure. It revealed that in post-test, in experimental group, majority of the subjects, 24 (80%) had mild pain, 6 (20%) subjects had moderate pain, 0(0%) had severe and in control group majority of the subjects, 25 (83.3%) had moderate pain, 5 (16.6%) subjects had mild pain, 0(0%) had severe pain.
Sl. no | Post-test dysmenorrhea pain | Experimental group | Control group | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frequency | Percentage | Frequency | Percentage | ||
1 | Mild pain (1-3) | 24 | 80 | 5 | 16.6 |
2 | Moderate pain (4-6) | 6 | 20 | 25 | 83.3 |
3 | Severe pain (7-10) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Overall | 30 | 100 | 30 | 100 |
Table 4: Frequency and percentage distribution of adolescent girls according to the post-test score of dysmenorrhea pain level in both experimental and control group.
The below Table 5 shows: Median, Inter quartile range and Z value of pre and post-test level of pain score among experimental and control group, since the scores were ordinal, hence equal non parametric test (Wilcoxon signed rank test) was used to find out the effectiveness of acupressure on dysmenorrhea pain. Pre-test median 7.5, IQR 7.8 whereas in the post test median 2 with IQR 2-4 the calculated Wilcoxon’s test value was Z=4.81 P<0.001 level in experimental group, whereas in control group Pre-test median 8 with, IQR 7.8 whereas in the post test median 4.5 with IQR 3-6 was Z=4.85 at P<0.001 level. Hence, it shows highly statistical significance between the pre-test and post-test level of pain among the adolescent girl in both experimental and control group.
S. No | Group | Pre-test | Post test | Wilcoxon’s value | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Median | IQR | Median | IQR | Z value | P value | ||
1 | Experimental group(n=30) | 7.5 | 07-08 | 2 | 02-04 | 4.81 | < 0.001* |
2 | Control group (n=30) | 8 | 07-08 | 4.5 | 03-06 | 4.85 | < 0.001* |
Table 5: Median, Inter quartile range and Z value of pre and post-test level of dysmenorrhea pain score among within experimental and control group.
From the below Table 6 shows that the Mann-Whitney U-test was worked to compare pre-test test mean scores of level of dysmenorrhea pain between the experimental group and control group and the Mann- Whitney U-test value was 38.58 at level p>0.005. There was no statistical significant at level p>0.005. It is evidenced that the level before the intervention both the groups similar.
S. No | Groups | Pre-test of dysmenorrhea Pain | Mann- Whitney U test | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Median | IQR | Z-value | p-value | ||
1 | Experimental group (n=30) | 7.5 | 07-08 | 8.58 | p>0.005 NS |
2 | Control group (n=30) | 8 | 07-08 |
Table 6: Median, Inter Quartile range and Z value of pre-test in level of dysmenorrhea pain in between experimental group and control group and its statistical significance.
From the below Table 7 shows that the Mann-Whitney U-test was worked to compare post-test mean scores of level of dysmenorrhea pain between the experimental group and control group and the Mann-Whitney U-test value was 3.88 at level p<0.001. It was found to be significant at level p<0.001. It is evidenced that the level of dysmenorrhea pain was found to be statistically significant among the adolescents girls had intervention acupressure (experimental group) than those who were not administered acupressure (control group) [6].
S. No | Groups | Post-test of dysmenorrhea Pain | Mann- Whitney U test | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Median | IQR | Z-value | p-value | ||
1 | Experimental group (n=30) | 2 | 02-04 | 3.88 | p<0.001* |
2 | Control group (n=30) | 4.5 | 03-06 |
Table 7: Median, Inter Quartile range and Z value of post-test in level of dysmenorrhea pain in between experimental group and control group and its statistical significance.
Discussion
The chi-square was carried out to determine the association between the dysmenorrhea pain levels with their selected demographic variables among adolescent girls such as age, religion, type of family, monthly income, education of mother, education of father, source of information about acupressure on dysmenorrhea pain level. Out of which none of the demographic variables are significantly associated with dysmenorrhea pain level in experimental group at 5% level (P<0.05). From the analysis it is concluded that there is no close relationship between the demographic variables of the respondents and level of dysmenorrhea pain in pre-test of experimental group of the respondent. Thus, null hypothesis was accepted and research hypothesis was rejected (Table 8 and 9).
S.no | Demographic variables | ≤ Median (Median 7.5) | >Median | Chi-square and p value | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F | % | F | % | F | % | |||
1 | Age in years | |||||||
12 - 13 years | 7 | 23.3 | 4 | 26.6 | 3 | 20 | 2.097 Df=2 p>0.05 NS | |
14 - 15 years | 17 | 56.6 | 8 | 53.3 | 9 | 60 | ||
16 Years and above | 6 | 20 | 3 | 20 | 3 | 20 | ||
2 | Religion | |||||||
Hindu | 21 | 70 | 10 | 66.6 | 11 | 73.3 | 3.0056 Df=2 p>0.05 NS | |
Muslim | 7 | 23.3 | 4 | 26.6 | 3 | 20 | ||
Christian | 2 | 6.6 | 1 | 6.6 | 1 | 6.6 | ||
Others | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
3 | Type of family | |||||||
Joint | 7 | 23.3 | 4 | 26.6 | 3 | 20 | 1.3389 Df=2 p>0.05 NS | |
Extended | 6 | 20 | 4 | 26.6 | 2 | 26.6 | ||
Nuclear | 17 | 56.6 | 7 | 46.6 | 10 | 66.6 | ||
4 | Monthly income | |||||||
Less than 5000 | 4 | 13.3 | 2 | 13.3 | 2 | 13.3 | 3.556 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
5001 to 10000 | 4 | 13.3 | 4 | 26.6 | 0 | 0 | ||
10001 to 15000 | 10 | 33.3 | 5 | 33.3 | 5 | 33.3 | ||
Above 150000 | 12 | 40 | 4 | 26.6 | 8 | 53.3 | ||
5 | Education of mother | |||||||
Illiterate | 6 | 20 | 4 | 26.6 | 2 | 13.3 | 0.9576 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
Higher Secondary | 5 | 16.6 | 2 | 13.3 | 3 | 20 | ||
Under Graduate | 9 | 30 | 5 | 33.3 | 4 | 26.6 | ||
Post Graduate | 10 | 33.3 | 4 | 26.6 | 6 | 40 | ||
6 | Education of father | |||||||
Illiterate | 3 | 10 | 3 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1.7704 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
Higher Secondary | 10 | 33.3 | 4 | 26.6 | 6 | 40 | ||
Under Graduate | 9 | 30 | 4 | 26.6 | 5 | 33.3 | ||
Post Graduate | 8 | 26.6 | 4 | 26.6 | 4 | 26.6 | ||
7 | Sources of information | |||||||
Health Professionals | 6 | 20 | 3 | 20 | 3 | 20 | 0.7833 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
Mass Media | 6 | 20 | 3 | 20 | 3 | 20 | ||
Friends and relatives | 2 | 6.6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 13.3 | ||
No Information | 16 | 53.3 | 9 | 60 | 7 | 46.6 |
Table 8: Association between the pre-test score of dysmenorrhea pain level among adolescent girls in experimental group with their socio demographic variables.
S.no | Demographic variables | ≤ Median (Median 8) | >Median | Chi-square and p value | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F | % | F | % | |||||
1 | Age in years | |||||||
12 - 13 years | 9 | 30 | 7 | 26.9 | 2 | 50 | 0.9135 Df=1 p>0.05 NS | |
14 - 15 years | 12 | 40 | 11 | 3.8 | 1 | 25 | ||
16 Years and above | 9 | 30 | 8 | 30.7 | 1 | 25 | ||
2 | Religion | |||||||
Hindu | 21 | 70 | 17 | 65.3 | 4 | 100 | 0.4921 Df=2 p>0.05 NS | |
Muslim | 6 | 20 | 6 | 23 | 0 | 0 | ||
Christian | 3 | 10 | 3 | 11.5 | 0 | 0 | ||
Others | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
3 | Type of family | |||||||
Joint | 7 | 23.3 | 7 | 26.9 | 0 | 0 | 0.233 Df=2 p>0.05 NS | |
Extended | 5 | 16.6 | 4 | 15.3 | 1 | 25 | ||
Nuclear | 18 | 60 | 15 | 57.6 | 3 | 75 | ||
4 | Monthly income | |||||||
Less than 5000 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 7.6 | 0 | 0 | 1.135 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
5001 to 10000 | 12 | 40 | 11 | 42.3 | 1 | 25 | ||
10001 to 15000 | 11 | 36.6 | 9 | 34.6 | 2 | 50 | ||
Above 150000 | 4 | 13.3 | 3 | 11.5 | 1 | 25 | ||
5 | Education of mother | |||||||
Illiterate | 7 | 23.3 | 6 | 23 | 1 | 25 | 0.452 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
Higher Secondary | 11 | 36.6 | 9 | 34.6 | 2 | 50 | ||
Under Graduate | 9 | 30 | 8 | 30.7 | 1 | 25 | ||
Post Graduate | 3 | 10 | 3 | 11.5 | 0 | 0 | ||
6 | Education of father | |||||||
Illiterate | 9 | 30 | 3 | 11.5 | 0 | 0 | 2.586 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
Higher Secondary | 11 | 36.6 | 5 | 19.2 | 1 | 25 | ||
Under Graduate | 6 | 20 | 5 | 19.2 | 1 | 25 | ||
Post Graduate | 4 | 13.3 | 13 | 50 | 2 | 50 | ||
7 | Sources of information | |||||||
Health Professionals | 3 | 10 | 7 | 26.9 | 2 | 50 | 3.652 Df=3 p>0.05 NS | |
Mass Media | 6 | 20 | 10 | 38.4 | 1 | 25 | ||
Friends and | 6 | 20 | 5 | 19.2 | 1 | 25 |
Table 9: Association between the pre-test score of dysmenorrhea pain level among adolescent girls in control group with their socio demographic variables.
Conclusion
The present study gives the evidence regarding the decrease in the pain level by applying the acupressure on particular site. In order to achieve it, the nurse educator should focus on strengthening the subject in the nursing curriculum. Continuing educational programme can be conducted among nurses and all health personnel to identify the needs of cost effective management and evidence based practice. Workshops, symposium, and discussion programmes and demonstration can be arranged in educational institutions. The students, nurses and all health personnel should be given responsibility to teach the public.
Recommendations
1. A similar study can be undertaken with a large sample for better generalization of the finding.
2. A similar study can be undertaken among young adult groups.
3. A similar study can be conducted to identify knowledge of health personnel regarding application of acupressure on particular sites decrease in the level of dysmenorrhea pain among adolescent girls.
Acknowledgement
None.
Conflict of interest
The author’s declared that they have no conflict of interest.
References
- Marlow DR, Redding BA (2013) . Reed Elsevier India Private limited. 928.
[] [] []
- Pal P (2016) . Paras Medical Publishers. 86.
[]
- Olyai R, Dutta DK (2011) . New Delhi: Jaypee brothers Medical Publishers. 119-125.
[] []
- Agarwal AK, Agarwal A (2010) . Indian J Community Med. 35(1):159.
[] [] [] []
- Osayande AS, Mehulic S (2014) . Am Fam Physician. 89(5):341-6.
[] [] []
- Othman SM, Aly SG, Mady MM (2019) . J Med Sci Res. 2:24-8.
[] []
Citation: Devi LD, Pallavi C (2022) An Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Acupressure on Dysmenorrhea Pain among Adolescents in Selected Colleges, Karnataka. J Community Med Health Educ 12:768.
Copyright: © 2022 Devi LD, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Share This Article
Recommended Journals
黑料网 Journals
Article Usage
- Total views: 1538
- [From(publication date): 0-2022 - Nov 25, 2024]
- Breakdown by view type
- HTML page views: 1353
- PDF downloads: 185