Non-pharmacologic strategies used by adolescents for the management of menstrual discomfort.
BACKGROUND
This study was a retrospective examination of adolescents' use of non-pharmacologic methods to manage menstrual discomfort.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 289 female adolescents (mean age = 16.28 years, SD = 1.00) recruited from a public high school completed a questionnaire designed for this study.


RESULTS
Ninety-eight percent of these adolescents reported using at least one non-pharmacologic method (e.g., heat, distraction) to manage menstrual discomfort. The mean perceived effectiveness of most of these methods was reported by adolescents to be below 40% (range = 3-74%).


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible that some methods are used because they have a physiologic impact on pain (e.g. heat), whereas others (e.g., distraction) provide a sense of comfort and control. Further research is necessary to examine the determinants of why and when certain management strategies are used by adolescents.
Campbell
M A
MA
Psychology Department, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
McGrath
P J
PJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires