• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.1056-1065
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of music therapy and ball exercise on women experiencing menstrual discomforts, thereby identifying the validity of these methods as interventions against menstrual discomforts, with a particular goal of presenting basic data for clinical use. Twenty university students in their 20s were assigned to two therapy groups in a sequence via simple random sampling; ten subjects attended a ball exercise combined with music therapy group and the other ten subjects attended a music therapy group. Ball exercises were conducted 3 times per week for a total of 12 times, starting from 3 weeks before the expected first day of the menstrual period and ending on the last day of the menstrual period. Similarly, the subjects participated in music therapy by listening to music for 35 minutes per session and 3 sessions per week, starting from 3 weeks before the expected first day of the menstrual period and ending on the last day of the menstrual period. Five out of six categories of menstrual discomforts were significantly decreased in both music therapy and ball exercise, the exception being changes in the autonomic nervous system, while those in the music therapy group showed a significant difference only in the category of behavioral changes. The results of the present study demonstrate that the ball exercise combined with music therapy more effective in improving menstrual discomforts than the music therapy group.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was to explore the perception about menstruation and discomforts of using disposable menstrual pads in menstruating women. Method: A survey was conducted of 132 menstrual women recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected by a face-to-face interview and a study questionnaire, and analyzed by frequency and $X^2$-test. Result: More than half of the subjects expressed a negative perception about menstruation, while 25% expressed a mixed perception and 24.2% expressed a positive perception. Women who perceived their menstruation negatively had more menstrual pain than the others (p<.001). The most frequently experienced discomforts of using disposable pads were an unpleasant smell (18.9%), leakage (18.9%), and discomfort (16.6%). Adverse effects of using disposable pads were reported as an itching sense (23.1%). skin rash (20.2%), and skin irritation (10.6%). Alternate materials were reported with tampons, alternate washable pads, and maternity pads. Conclusion: The results indicate that disposable menstrual pads cause several discomforts and common adverse effects such as skin problems. To decrease these discomforts and relieve adverse effects, planned nursing education including women's personal hygiene methods and information about an alternate pad may be helpful.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to identify menstrual discomforts and coping m adult women. The subjects were 577 adult women. aged 20 years old and over. selected by convenient sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from December 2. 2004 to December 31. 2004. Two instruments were modified and used in this study. the Menstrual Discomfort Questionnaire by Park(1988) and the Menstrual Coping Questionnaire by Billings & Moos(198l). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. t-test. and ANOVA with SPSS 10.0 program. The results of this study were as follows. 1. The prevalence rate of dysmenorrhea was $85.6\%$. 2. The total mean score for menstrual discomforts was 2.82 of a possible total of 5. The mean score for each category was 3.10 for water retention. 2.93 for negative affect. 2.89 for pain. 2.74 for autonomic reactions. 2.73 for behavioral change. and 2.59 for concentration. 3. Statistical differences were found for menarche age(F=9.351. p<.00l), feeling to menstruation(F=12.376. p<.001). dysmenorrhea(t=7.3l7. p<.001). onset of dysmenorrhea (F= 12.766. p<.001). taking medication(t=6.289. p<.001). and degree of taking medication (F=12.924. p<.00l). 4. The coping modes with the highest scores were 'rest and go to the bed '$(83.3\%)$. 'regard menstruation as a physiological and temporary phenomenon' $(68.6\%)$, and 'take a warm shower' $(64.5\%)$. We conclude that there were many women with dysmenorrhea. that the first day was the onset of menstrual discomfort. and that it differed by menarche age. feeling to menstruation. dysmenorrhea. onset of dysmenorrhea. taking medication. and degree of taking medication. Nursing intervention has to be considered in programs to reduce menstrual discomfort.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.233-243
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• 1998

This study was performed to compare the transcultural differences on perimenstrual discomforts, menstrual attitudes and sex role acceptance between Korean and American college students. The subjects, 2557 nursing students were selected from 13 universities all around Korea, and 4 universities in the eastern, western, and middle areas of the United States. The data were collected using the MDQ (Menstrual Distress Questionnaire by Moos), the MAQ(Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire), and the Sex Role Acceptance Scale, the subjects answered the MDQ for three points (premenstrual, menstrual, intermenstrual based on their recollections) between July, 1996 and April, 1997. The findings are as follows : 1. There were significant differences in the age of menarche, duration of menstruation, and menstrual cycle between the Koreans and the Americans. 2. As for sex role acceptance, Americans more frequently denied the traditional female role than did Koreans. 3. There were significant differences between the two groups on five categories of menstrual attitude (menstruation is a phenomena that weakens women physically and psychologically, menstruation is a bothersome phenomena, menstruation is a natural phenomena, menstruation onset is a predictable phenomena, and menstruation is a phenomena that does not influence womens' behaviors non is expected to). 4. For the menstrual discomfort scores, there were significant differences between the two groups on all six categories of the MDQ(pain, attention deficit, behavioral changes, AMS response, water retention, and negative emotion) for the three points (premenstrual, menstrual, intermenstrual period). 5. The most common complaints for the Korean women were pain during the perimenstrual period and fatigue during the intermenstrual period. In contrast, for the Americans the most common complaint was negative emotions during the perimenstrual period, but less pain than the Koreans, and a similarity to Koreans during the intermenstrual period. 6. Regularity of the menstrual cycle was positively correlated with age of menarche, menstrual cycle, and duration of menstruation. 7 For the interrelationship between of Perimenstrual discomforts, menstrual attitudes, and sex role acceptance, there were significant correlations for both group as follows : First, the MA category "menstruation is a bothering phenomena" was negatively correlated with sex role acceptance, second, the MA category "menstruation is a phenomena that weakens the women physically and psychologically" was positively correlated with the MA category "menstruation onset is a predictable phenomena." For the further research, it is recommended that efficient nursing intervention programs for perimenstrual discomforts, be developed and qualitative research to demonstrate the cultural differences as the feminism view point be done.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.415-423
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• 2003

Purpose: This study aims to examine whether the kinesio tape method can relax perimenstrual symptoms and decrease the menstrual pain of those who complain of perimenstrual discomforts. Method: This study has been designed to use the nonequivalent control group in the pre and post-test. The data have been collected from unmarried females complaining of perimenstrual discomfort and living in D city from the 2nd of February through the 10th of April, 2002. An experimental group of 32 people and a control group of 35 people were chosen, and they were first investigated for symptoms before and after menstruation when the menstrual pain was the severest and for the VAS measurement of menstrual pain. For the experimental group, the kinesio tape method was conducted two times a week for three weeks (six times in all), and the control group remained intact. The investigations after the experimental treatment were carried out in the same way as before. The measuring instruments were the peri menstrual measuring instruments of symptoms of 42 items and the menstrual pain was measured by VAS Result: The primary hypothesis: The experimental group who used the kinesio tape method would experience less perimenstrual discomfort than the control group who did not use it. The first sub-hypothesis: The first sub-hypothesis that suggests 'The experimental group who used the kinesio tape method would experience more relaxation of perimenstrual symptom than the control group who did not use it' was supported. The second sub-hypothesis: The second sub-hypothesis that suggests that 'The experimental group who used the kinesio tape method would get lower scores of menstrual pain of VAS than the control group who did not use it' was supported. Conclusion: These results of the study show that the kinesio tape method is effective in relaxing perimenstrual symptoms and lessening menstrual pain.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.330-339
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was done to identify menstrual discomfort and dietary habits, and factors related to the menstrual discomforts. Method: Participants were 320 female middle school students in G city. The Menstrual Discomfort Questionaire(MDQ) and dietary habit lists were used as tools. Results: Factors related to MDQ were found to be the VAS scores (r=.361, p=.002), a mount of menstrual bleeding (r=.131, p=.019), height (r=.134, p=.016), adequacy of meal time (t=7.19, p=.008), consumption of milk & milk products (F=3.20, p=.042) and, hot, salty & irritant foods (f=8.01, p=.000), eating more than 3 kinds of side-dishes with each meal (F=8.32, p=.000), and various protein foods (F=5.15, p=.006). In stepwise regression, 4 variables (VAS scores, height, hot, salty & irritant foods, more than 3 kinds of side-dishes with each meal) explained $20.3\%$ of the variance in the total MDQ scores. Conclusion: Reduction of hot, salty & irritant foods and having more than 3 side-dishes with each meal would be effective in menstrual discomfort management. As well, good and, balanced dietary habits should be encouraged for early adolescent girls. To keep up with the ideal dietary habits, nutritional education & counseling should be continued. In a further study, a replication study with larger samples and more specified nutritional assessment are recommended.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.57-68
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• 2006

Purpose: To identify perimenstrual discomforts, coping and relief of symptoms in female workers. Methods: A convenience sample of 203 women who had worked were obtained from two hospitals in Busan. Data were collected through questionnaires from November 8 to 16, 2004. Three instruments were used in this study: the Perimenstrual Discomfort Questionnaire by Park(1988) and the Menstrual Coping Questionnaire and the Relief of Symptoms by Billings & Moos(1981) modified for this study. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA with SPSS 10.0 program. Results: The prevalence rate of dysmenorrhea was 81.3%. The total mean score for perimenstrual discomforts was 2.83 out of a possible total of 5 and the mean score for each category was, 3.08 for water retention, 2.95 for pain, 2.88 for negative affect, 2.83 for behavioral change, 2.73 for autonomic reactions, and 2.51 for concentration. According to these study results, statistical differences were found for age(F=2.76, p=0.04), feeling to menstruation(F=3.94, p=0.00), dysmenorrhea(t=4.26, p=0.00), and taking medication(t=2.09, p=0.00). The coping modes with the highest scores were 'take a hot bath'(99.0%)', 'rest and go to bed'(83.7%), 'regard menstruation as a physiological and temporary phenomenon'(76.8%), 'take a warm shower'(65.0%). The most frequently used methods to relieve symptoms were 'rest and go to bed'(70.0%), 'take a warm shower'(57.6%), 'take pain killers'(49.8%), 'apply hot water bag on painful parts of the body'(46.8%). Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand perimenstrual discomforts and the variables associated with them. Nursing intervention has to be considered in any program aiming to reduce perimenstrual discomforts.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.483-495
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the perimenstrual discomforts and dietary intake levels among normal women. Method: A prospective and descriptive study examined 38 women aged 23 46years of age. The data collection period lasted from April 1 to June 30, 2003. The participants were asked to keep a diary recording perimenstrual symptoms and food intake for 50 days. Results: There was a significant difference in physical symptoms of perimenstrual discomforts (F=6.95. p=.001). but there was no significant difference in dietary intake level according to three different phases of a menstrual cycle. The significant dietary intake variables correlated to PMS included energy, protein, Vitamin E, Vitamin $B_2$, niacin, Vitamin $B_6$, folic acid, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. They were negatively related to perimenstrual discomforts. Conclusion: Balanced diet intake will be necessary for not only the perimenstrual discomforts but also the general health promotion of the entire population. The dietary and nutritional assessment should be done prior to nursing interventions, and nutritional counseling and education should be given based on individual differences. In a further study, the effects of dietary composition on specific symptoms will be replicated with a large sample, and development of a diet intervention program for perimenstrual discomforts is recommended.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.162-175
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• 1999

The study was intended to investigate and explore the preimenstrual symptoms, their severity levels, their patterns and the relationships of the age to those symptoms and patterns among Korean women. The data were collected from 844 women in one highschool, one Nursing college and one Korea National Open University in Seoul, from Nov, 1997 to Jun. 1998. The instruments were the Menstrual Symptoms Questionnaire developed by Chesney and the Center for Epidemiologic studies Depression scale developed by Radloff. the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Duncan's multiple comparison test, $X^2$-test, simple regression analysis and logistic regression analysis using pc-SAS program. The results were as follows ; 1. Korean women had more symptoms of abdominal bloating, fatigue, abdominal discomfort and backache in perimenstrual period. There Teenages had more symptoms of depression and uterine cramps in the day before or the first day of menstruation. Women in their twenties had more symptoms of abdominal pain or abdominal discomfort, backache, abdominal bloating and the sensitiveness /discomforts in the lower back, abdomen and inner part of thighs. women in their thirties had more symptoms of abdominal bloating, fatigue, tension and nervousness before the menstruation, abdominal discomfort and backpain in the first day of menstruation. Women in their forties had more symptoms of backache, breast discomforts, abdominal pain and discomforts. 2. The severity levels of the perimenstrual symptoms showed the highest score(mean=2.73) in twenties and the lowest score)mean=1.96) in forties The perimenstrual symptom patterns were prevailed the spasmodic menstrual symptoms in teenage and twenties and the congestive menstrual symptoms in thirties and forties. The age was a determinant of perimenstrual symptom patterns and the precipitative equation was log[p(age)/(1-p(age)]=2.7356-0.0982 age. 3. The relationship of the age to perimenstrual symptoms was vanished or lessened, controlling for parity as a test factor. this finding supports the notion that parity is an extraneous variable.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.289-299
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was carried out to identify premenstrual discomforts and coping patterns and their effects. Method: The participants of this study were 297 female university students in C area. The Menstrual Discomfort Questionaire (MDQ) and coping method lists were used as measurement tools. Results: There were significant differences premenstrual discomforts according to age (F=5.76, p=.003) and according to health condition (F=3.43, p=.034). The mean scores of the sub-categorical factors of premenstrual discomfort were 2.35 points for pain, 2.29 for instability and 2.25 for water retention. The worst symptoms among the subcategories of premenstrual discomfort were as follows: backache (M=2.68) in the pain subcategory, irritability (M=2.53) in the instability subcategory and swelling(M=2.40) in the water retention subcategory. Their common coping patterns were 'coping according to menstrual period', 'active behavioral coping' and 'evasional coping'. Frequently used coping methods were 'taking a rest and sleep (99.3%)' and 'taking a warm shower (86.2%)'. Effective coping methods were 'taking a rest and sleep (89.5%)' and 'taking a warm shower (87.1%)'. Conclusion: Most participants have their own coping pattern. Some methods were very effective to PMS but some were not effective to PMS. To manage PMS, effective coping methods should be encouraged for female university students. To keep up with effective coping, education and counseling should be continued. It is considered necessary to make the same research with a larger number of samples and more specified assessment.