Leaflet-Based Education for Dysmenorrhea Management Among Adolescent Girls: A Pretest–Posttest Study of Knowledge and Attitude
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53713/htechj.v4i5.759Keywords:
adolescent girls, attitude, dysmenorrhea, health education, knowledgeAbstract
Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent reproductive health concern among adolescent girls and may impair daily functioning, school attendance, and academic participation. Limited knowledge and unfavorable attitudes can prevent adolescents from adopting appropriate self-management practices or seeking timely healthcare. This study evaluated changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding the management of dysmenorrhea following a leaflet-based educational intervention among adolescent girls at State Junior High School 2 in Bengkulu City, Indonesia. A quantitative pre-experimental study with a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted among 20 eligible students recruited through simple random sampling. Participants received a standardized group educational session accompanied by a leaflet that covered the definition, causes, symptoms, effects, prevention, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of dysmenorrhea. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed using structured self-administered questionnaires before and immediately after the intervention. Preintervention and postintervention scores were compared using paired-samples t-tests. The mean knowledge score increased from 13.75 (SD = 1.37) to 17.15 (SD = 1.18), representing a mean improvement of 3.40 points (p = 0.001). The mean attitude score increased from 45.65 (SD = 4.98) to 53.95 (SD = 2.80), with a mean improvement of 8.30 points (p = 0.001). Leaflet-supported education was associated with significant immediate improvements in participants’ knowledge and attitudes toward the management of dysmenorrhea. This low-cost and accessible approach may support school-based menstrual health education. However, controlled studies with larger sample sizes, validated instruments, and longer follow-up periods are required to establish effectiveness and sustainability.
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