A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Ginger Powder on Dysmenorrhoea among Adolescents in a Selected School at Erode

Background: Dysmenorrhea is the most common of gynecologic complaints. It affects half of all female adolescents today and represents the leading cause of periodic college/school absenteeism among that population.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of ginger powder on dysmenorrheal symptoms among adolescents.

Design: A one group pre test and post test Pre experimental design was adopted for the study.

Setting: Seventh Day Adventists School, Erode.

Participants: 30 adolescent girls with dysmenorrhoeal symptoms fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by convenient sampling.

Methods: A pre test was conducted by using menstrual symptoms assessment scale. Immediately after pre test 1 gm ginger powder was given two times a day for 7 days and again post test was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ginger powder. Collected data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results : In pre test , the mean score of the sample was 65.12 (SD= 8.74)) and the post test mean score was 43.24 (SD = 6.72) with Paired't'value of 23.02.This showed that the ginger powder was effective in enhancing the practice of the sample regarding dysmenorrhoeal symptoms. There was a statistically no significant association found between the post test scores of the sample with their demographic variables.

Conclusion: The findings imply the need for educating adolescent girls on effective management of dysmenorrhoea. Education should be extended to parents and school peer leaders to address the reproductive health needs of adolescents.