The Self-Care Strategies of Girls with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Focus Group Study in Taiwan

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynaecological complaint and the leading cause of recurrent short-term school absenteeism among adolescent girls. To explore adolescent girls' self-care strategies for dysmenorrhea, we conducted four focus groups in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with 23 female adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea. Thematic content analysis was used to explore and organize the data. The self-care strategies for dysmenorrhea reported by participants included reducing physical activity, modifying diet using herbal remedies or medication, applying complementary therapies, paying attention to symptom clusters of discomforts, and expressing emotions. This is the first study to describe the self-care strategies adopted by adolescent girls with dysmenorrhea in Asia. Data were analyzed in cultural contexts. Knowledge of beneficial food-related or herbal health practices can enable professionals to counsel this population more effectively.

Menstrual-Related Attitudes and Symptoms Among Multi-racial Asian Adolescent Females

“…It has been reported that women were reluctant to consult a physician because they viewed it as "part and parcel" of female life and they should selfmanage the symptoms, while some did not think the physician could do much to help [34]. We found many participants used self-care strategies and lifestyle management techniques to relieve the symptoms of PMS, which was consistent with other findings [34,35]. The reason for the low rate of consulting a physician for PMS among the Chinese participants could be due to beliefs in the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and its common uses for PMS and dysmenorrhea [35].…”

“…We found many participants used self-care strategies and lifestyle management techniques to relieve the symptoms of PMS, which was consistent with other findings [34,35]. The reason for the low rate of consulting a physician for PMS among the Chinese participants could be due to beliefs in the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and its common uses for PMS and dysmenorrhea [35]. Another study has reported that women who were older and with more severe PMS symptoms were more likely to seek treatment [36].…”

Self-Care Strategies among Chinese Adolescent Girls with Dysmenorrhea: A Qualitative Study

“…For instance, they believed that these foods not only ''enhanced qi circulation' ' but also ''enriched the blood, ' ' and thus helped to relieve the condition. Nevertheless, unlike girls in a Taiwanese qualitative study who were reported to consume Chinese herbal remedies such as Zhongjiang herbal soup and Xiaoyao powder for dysmenorrhea (Chen et al, 2006), the girls in this study did not mention using such herbal remedies, although it is noteworthy that they believed herbal remedies should only be prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner. They would not buy or consume herbal remedies without a consultation.…”

“…However, studies on such self-care have been largely quantitative-only one qualitative study was found describing it in adolescent girls. Chen, Lin, Heitkemper, and Wu (2006) brought together four focus groups from among 23 Taiwanese nursing students aged 16 to 19 to explore their experiences of self-care for dysmenorrhea. Seven themes emerged: reducing physical activity, modifying diet, using herbal remedies or medication, applying complementary therapies, paying attention to symptom clusters of discomfort, and expressing emotions.…”

Dysmenorrhea Prevalence among Adolescents in Eastern Turkey: Its Effects on School Performance and Relationships with Family and Friends

“…In academic life, students tended to be absent from school, unable to focus on their courses, and distracted from lectures due to dysmenorrheal symptoms. 16,17,33 Other studies also confirm female adolescents' negative attitudes toward education 3,29,37 and absenteeism was common due to excessive pain 25 and other discomforting symptoms. 9,18,33 One third of the subjects with dysmenorrhea reported absenteeism from school because of their pain.…”