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

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

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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