Effectiveness of ginger water on dysmenorrhea among nursing students of University College of Nursing, Faridkot, Punjab

Abstract

Introduction: Globally adolescents account for 1/5th of the world's population that is more than 1 billion. 4 out of 5 adolescents live in developing countries. According to India's census in 2011, 20.9% of the total population was that of adolescents (253 million). Due to gradual decrease in the growth rate of the overall population, there is little increase in the number of adolescents in population projection till the year 2016 (Population projection 1996-2016 census of India). Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem of menstruating women in all ages. Most adolescents experience dysmenorrhea in the first 3 years after menarche. Young adult women ages 17 to 24 years are most likely to report painful menses, between 50% and 80% of women report some level of discomfort associated with menses and 10 to 18% report severe dysmenorrhea. It has been estimated that up to 10% of women have severe pain which interfere with their functioning for 1-3 days a month.Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of ginger water on dysmenorrhea among nursing students at University College of Nursing, Faridkot (Punjab). To assess the level of dysmenorrhea among nursing students in experimental and control group. To compare the level of dysmenorrhea among nursing students in experimental and control group after intervention. To find out the association between the pre-tests level of dysmenorrhea among nursing students with selected demographic variables such as age, class of study, monthly income, diet pattern, BMI, family history of dysmenorrhea, menstrual history including age at menarche and duration of menstruation.Materials and Methods: A Quantitative research approach and quasi experimental research design was chosen for the study. Sample of 90 nursing students from UCON, (45 each in experimental and control group) were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data collection of sociodemographic profile and level of dysmenorrhea were done by using a self-structured questionnaire and standardized numerical pain rating scale respectively. Analysis was done by using both descriptive & inferential statistics.Results: Findings of the study showed that majority of nursing students had 3-5 days duration of menstruation. It was found that majority of nursing students had moderate level of dysmenorrhea in both experimental and control group. The implementation of ginger water was effective in reducing dysmenorrhea as there were reduced mean levels of pain after the intervention to the experimental group.Conclusion: Study revealed that ginger water was effective in reducing dysmenorrhea in experimental group.