Emotional Freedom Technique for Reducing Primary Dysmenorrhea Intensity among Female Students

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is frequently described as painful menstruation that causes lower abdomen cramps and often spreads to the thighs and lumbosacral area. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique for reducing primary dysmenorrhea intensity among female students. Design: A one-group pre-post-test procedure was utilized in a quasi-experimental design. Methods: A convenient sample of 161 female nursing students from Faqous High Institute of Nursing at Zagazig University in El Sharkia Governorate was assigned to participate in the study. Tools: 1) a structured interviewing questionnaire sheet and 2) a visual analog scale. Results: The mean score of the visual analogue scale was reduced among studied female students after the intervention compared to before the intervention, which was (9.2±1.3 vs7.8±1.4) with a 15.2 percent of improvement. Conclusion:The Emotional Freedom Technique effectively reduces pain intensity and dysmenorrhea symptoms, which is quick and effective for self-treatment. Recommendation: Educating all students about the advantages of the Emotional Freedom Technique for minimizing dysmenorrhea during menstruation is important.