Investigating the Efficacy of Home Remedies for Alleviating Dysmenorrhea among Adolescent Girls in Selected Secondary Schools of Kolhapur, Banke, Nepal

Abstract

Adolescence is a time of transition between childhood and maturity that is marked by fast changes in the body, mind, emotions, and endocrine system as well as a change from total reliance to some degree of autonomy. For women in particular, this time is crucial since it includes the mental and physical preparation required for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Throughout a woman's reproductive years, menstruation is a normal, periodic process that causes pain and discomfort to varied degrees in many people. Approximately 50% of women have dysmenorrhea, a name originating from the Greek words "DYS" (difficulty/painful/abnormal), "MENO" (month), and "RRHEA" (flow). Over 50% of teenagers experience this disorder, and 10% experience severe symptoms. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate teenage girls' awareness of at-home treatments for dysmenorrhea. The research was conducted at Trivhuvan Secondary High School in Kohalpur, Banke, among 79 secondary level students (Class 10). A non-probability sampling method was employed to select the participants. The researcher developed a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire based on relevant literature and books. The findings revealed that more than half of the respondents (53 or 67.1%) possessed moderate knowledge, 25 respondents (31.6%) had an adequate level of knowledge, and a minority (1 or 1.3%) exhibited inadequate knowledge regarding home remedies for relieving dysmenorrhea.