Effect of acupressure on dysmenorrhea among adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundDysmenorrhea is a significant public health problem, which has a negative effect on female's health, social relationships, school or work activities, and psychological status.PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of acupressure on Sanyinjiao Acupoint (SP6) on primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents.Patients and methodsResearch design was an experimental case–control study. A total of 100 girls were randomly assigned to two equal groups (A and B): group A included 50 girls who received SP6 acupressure, whereas group B included 50 girls who received only light skin touching. Menstrual pain was measured by using a structured questionnaire, a subjective menstrual pain scales (Visual Analog Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire – part I), before (at 8 a.m.) and after the intervention (at 8 p.m.) during the first 3 days of menstruation for 2 consecutive months.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in menstrual pain among the two groups.ConclusionSP6 acupressure was effective in decreasing menstrual pain and can easily be used as a nursing management method for adolescents.RecommendationAcupressure should be offered to cope with menstrual pain, as it is useful and has no adverse effects.