• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was to examine the effects of magnetic therapy applying the principal of Sa-am Acupuncture on menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea in high school students. Methods: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pre- and post-test design was used. Participants were 60 female high school students living in S city, 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Data were collected from February to August 2008. Magnetic therapy was performed three days before menstruation for three menstrual cycles. Results: Magnetic therapy significantly reduced menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea. There was a significant difference in menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: Magnetic therapy may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.22-31
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• 2012

Objectives : We investigated the prevalence and functional impairment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome(PMS) in young women. Methods : A total of 1063 female college students were recruited from two urban areas(Seoul and Suwon) of Korea. Questionnaires for sociodemographic data and risk factors of PMDD, attitude about menstruation, and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool(PSST) were applied. Results : The prevalence of severe moderate to severe PMS and PMDD were 16.9% and 11.7%, respectively. There were differences in the alcohol and coffee consumption, severity of menstrual cramp, and family history of PMS among the moderate to severe PMS, PMDD, and no/mild PMS groups. Although some participants did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for PMDD, they showed significant functional impairment. Participants with negative attitude about menstruation reported premenstrual symptoms more frequently than those with positive or ambivalent attitude about menstruation. Conclusion : These results suggest that PMS and PMDD were prevalent and associated with functional impairment in young females. Some participants reported significant functional impairments although they did not meet the full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PMDD. Negative attitude about menstruation was associated with more premenstrual symptoms experiences.