Orem-Based Education for Dysmenorrhea Self-Care and Menstrual Hygiene in Adolescents

NCT07785336 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: TOGU-CSAPE-2026-08.15
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 103
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is common among adolescent girls and may adversely affect daily activities, school participation, and quality of life. Inadequate knowledge and self-care practices may complicate dysmenorrhea management and menstrual hygiene. Theory-based nursing interventions may support adolescents in developing appropriate self-care behaviors; however, evidence regarding interventions based on Orem's Self-Care Theory in this context remains limited. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a supportive-educative nursing intervention based on Orem's Self-Care Theory on primary dysmenorrhea self-care and menstrual hygiene behaviors among adolescent girls. Methods: This single-blind, pretest-posttest, cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted among adolescent girls. The intervention group received a six-session educational program delivered over four weeks and structured according to Orem's developmental self-care requisites and supportive-educative nursing system, while the control group continued routine school education. Data were collected using the Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale and the Menstrual Hygiene Practices Questionnaire. Posttest assessments were conducted four weeks after completion of the intervention. Keywords: adolescent; dysmenorrhea; menstrual hygiene; Orem's Self-Care Theory; self-care; nursing education

Conditions

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Keywords

adolescent; dysmenorrhea; menstrual hygiene; Orem's Self-Care Theory; self-care; nursing education

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Primary Dysmenorrhea Self-Care

  Primary dysmenorrhea self-care was assessed using the Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale (ADSCS), a 40-item, 6-point Likert-type scale. The scale evaluates six dimensions of self-care: Searching for Knowledge, Expressing Emotions, Seeking Assistance, Control over External Factors, Coping Strategies, and Self-Control. The total score ranges from 40 to 240, with higher scores indicating better dysmenorrhea-related self-care.

  Baseline and 4 weeks after completion of the intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Menstrual Hygiene Practices

  Baseline and 4 weeks after completion of the intervention

Study Arms (2)

Orem-Based Education Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received a six-session educational program delivered over four weeks and based on Orem's Self-Care Theory. The program addressed primary dysmenorrhea self-care, non-pharmacological pain management, emotional awareness and coping, and genital and menstrual hygiene practices. Each session lasted approximately 40 minutes.

Behavioral: Orem-Based Educational Program

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants received no additional education on dysmenorrhea or menstrual hygiene during the study and continued their routine school education. After completion of posttest data collection, they received education on dysmenorrhea management and menstrual hygiene.

Interventions

Orem-Based Educational Program BEHAVIORAL

A six-session educational program delivered over four weeks and based on Orem's Self-Care Theory. The program included primary dysmenorrhea self-care, non-pharmacological pain management, emotional awareness and coping strategies, and genital and menstrual hygiene practices. Each session lasted approximately 40 minutes.

Orem-Based Education Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 15 Years - 17 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Meets the diagnostic criteria for primary dysmenorrhea
• Aged 15-17 years
• Enrolled in the ninth grade
• Has regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days)
• Able to read and write in Turkish
• Has written parental informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Has a chronic condition that may cause dysmenorrhea
• Receives hormonal therapy or any treatment that may affect menstruation
• Has secondary dysmenorrhea
• Has any health condition that may interfere with communication
• Does not have written parental informed consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University

Tokat Province, Erbaa, 60500, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Dysmenorrhea

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Menstruation Disturbances; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Pelvic Pain; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Sultan Güner Başara, Dr

  Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Tenzilay Müdüt Altunbay, Lecturer

  Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD, Assistant Professor

Model Details: Two schools were randomized as clusters to either the intervention or control group. Students in the intervention group received an Orem-based educational program, while the control group continued routine school education. Both groups were assessed at pretest and posttest.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 15, 2026
• First Posted: August 25, 2026
• Study Start: April 6, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 10, 2026
• Study Completion: June 12, 2026
• Last Updated: August 25, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)