Enhancing Risk Communication In Adolescent Reproductive Health: The Effect Of Progressive Muscle Relaxation In Managing Dysmenorrhea Pain And Stress

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual disorder characterized by intense pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen, resulting from the action of prostaglandins. During menstruation, the damaged uterine lining is expelled by new compounds known as prostaglandins. For adolescent girls suffering from dysmenorrhea, intervention can be achieved through non-pharmacological methods, specifically progressive muscle relaxation. This technique is effective in alleviating dysmenorrhea pain and reducing stress following brief, fundamental training. It stands out as one of the most efficient complementary therapies due to its ease of learning, affordability, high utility, and absence of adverse side effects. Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of progressive muscle relaxation on managing dysmenorrhea pain and stress in adolescent girls. Design: To fulfill the aim of this research, a quasi-experimental design involving a single group (pre/post-test) was employed. Setting: The research was carried out at the Faculty of Nursing - Sohag University. Sample: A purposive sample of 800 first-year adolescent girls enrolled at the Faculty of Nursing at Sohag University participated in the study. Tools for data collection: Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire comprising two sections; section (1) includes personal data of adolescent girls; section (2) covers their menstrual history; Tool II: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS); Tool III: Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Results: The majority of the adolescent girls reported mild pain, with less than one-fifth experiencing moderate pain, while none reported severe pain following the application of progressive muscle relaxation. There were highly statistically significant differences in the mean total pain scores among the adolescent girls before and after the intervention. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the total pain scores was observed post-application compared to pre-application of progressive muscle relaxation. A statistically significant difference and decrease were noted in the mean stress scores at (P=0.001) following the progressive muscle relaxation intervention. Conclusion: The progressive muscle relaxation technique positively impacts the reduction and management of dysmenorrhea pain and stress in adolescent girls. Recommendations: It is advisable to employ the progressive muscle relaxation technique as an adjunct therapy to assist adolescent girls in alleviating dysmenorrhea pain and stress.