The Effect of Psychoeducation Based on Leventhal's Self-Regulation Model on Dysmenorrhoea in Nursing Students: A Single-Blind Randomised Controlled Study

Background

The use of self-analgesics among women for dysmenorrhoea is common. Non-pharmacological methods can be employed to effectively cope with dysmenorrhoea. Psychoeducation based on Leventhal's Self-Regulation Model (SRM) is an affordable, easy, and non-pharmacological way that clinics can use to cope with dysmenorrhoea.

Method

This study aimed to investigate how psychoeducation affected dysmenorrhoea for nursing students using SRM. The sample consisted of 66 female students suffering from moderate-to-severe menstrual pain. A three-session psychoeducation based on SRM was applied to the intervention group. An ‘Introductory Information Form’, ‘Visual Analogue Scale’, ‘Functional and Emotional Measure of Dysmenorrhoea (FEMD)’, and ‘Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ)’ were used to collect the data. All the measurements were carried out over three consecutive menstrual cycles.

Results

A generalised linear model was used to analyse the data. After receiving psychoeducation, the pain and functional and emotional symptoms of dysmenorrhoea mean scores significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < .05), whereas there was no significant difference between the groups’ MSQ mean scores (p > .05).

Conclusion

The psychoeducation reduced the severity of dysmenorrhoea pain and the functional and emotional impact levels of dysmenorrhoea and it was proved to be effective at helping the subjects cope with pain in the long term.