INTRODUCTION:

Good health is the fundamental right of every human being. Health is defined as the state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well – being and not merely an absence of disease, or infirmity.¹ Health of adolescents is one of the foundations of future life. According to World Health Organization, adolescence is a period of lifetime between 12 – 19 years. Adolescence period of girls is marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. Reproductive health is also a crucial aspect of adolescent health. Good health during adolescence sets the stage for optimal reproductive health. This includes menstrual health which is essential for girl’s and women’s quality of life.²Menstruation is a normal, healthy occurrence for many years in life. Although most women have some physical or emotional changes or discomfort linked to menstrual cycle, a small number of about 5% finds that the problems are more serious and may have to seek some kind of treatment.³ The global prevalence of dysmenorrhea is 91% among women of reproductive age with 2 – 29% reporting severe symptoms.⁴ Dysmenorrhea is a common problem among adolescent girls in India with a prevalence ranging from 68.1% – 71.96%.⁵Prevalence of dysmenorrhea is 70.2%. Majority of the girls experienced pain for one or 1 – 2 days during menstruation. 23.2% of the girls experienced pain for 2 – 3 days. A study conducted at India, states the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls was 79.67% and in which 37.96% are suffered from severe dysmenorrhea.⁶

Dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual problem among adolescent girls in Kerala, India, with prevalence rates ranging from 33% to 72.4%. In Kerala, cross – sectional studies were conducted at Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts, to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among school going girls. The studies stated the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among the school going girls as 33% aged 12 – 17 years in Thiruvananthapuram.⁷In Kannur District, 71.5% of girls reported dysmenorrhea.⁸Dysmenorrhea is one of the menstrual disorder and it affects the menstrual regularity.⁹Dysmenorrhea is a term describing painful menstruation that typically involves cramps caused by uterine contractions. Several home remedies are used to treat dysmenorrhea. Traditionally Pudhina is used for alleviate dysmenorrhoea symptoms.¹⁰

Pudhina is also known as Mint. It is a nutrient herb with strong therapeutic qualities. 100gm of mint leaves contains 3.75gm of protein, 70 Kcal of energy, and 8gm of dietary fibre. Pudhina is used to treat dysmenorrhea symptoms due to its anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, and anti-oxidant properties. The primary constituent of pudhina responsible for reducing menstrual cramps is ‘Menthol’. It is a natural analgesics and anti-inflammatory compound that helps relax uterine muscles and reduce pain.¹¹

Investigators noticed that many adolescent girls have history of dysmenorrhea and associated symptoms during their menstruation period. They are less aware about the home remedies. Many of them are unable to go to schools / colleges and this situation affecting their academic attendance. Previous research studies showed that Pudhina extract is one of the best home remedy for reducing dysmenorrhea. Hence the relevance to assess effect of pudhina extract in reducing dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

1. To assess the pretest scores of Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.

2. To evaluate the effect of Pudhina extract in reducing Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.

3. To find out association between the pretest scores of Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls with selected socio – demographic variables.

ASSUMPTIONS:

· Most of the adolescent girls may have dysmenorrhoea.

· Pudhina extract will reduce the dysmenorrhea.

· There is individual difference in level of pain tolerance.

· Pudhina extract will have an analgesic, antispasmodic and anti – inflammatory effect.

· Adolescent girls may have some knowledge regarding mint paste on dysmenorrhoea.

HYPOTHESES:

H_1: There will be significant difference between pretest and posttest scores of Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.

H_2: There will be significant association between the pretest scores of Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls with selected socio – demographic variables

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Quantitative research approach was used to assess the effect of Pudhina extract in reducing dysmenorrhea among 30 Adolescent girls in Holy Cross College of Nursing at Kollam district. Investigators obtained permission and approval from Principal, Holy Cross College of Nursing, Kottiyam, Kollam and Holy Cross College of Nursing Scientific Research Committee. The research design used in this present study was Pre experimental one group pretest posttest design. Subjects were selected using non – Probability Purposive sampling technique among the B.Sc. Nursing students who met the selection criteria. The population for this study comprised of all adolescent girls who are studying at Holy Cross College of Nursing Kottiyam, Kollam. In this study, the sample comprised of Adolescent girls with dysmenorrhoea between the age group of 17 – 19 years who fulfilled the sample selection criteria. Data were collected using Socio-demographic proforma, Numerical pain scale and Rating scale on signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Pretest was conducted followed by administration of Pudhina extract in scheduled time period. Posttest was conducted after menstrual cycle in scheduled time period.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adolescent girls who are,

· Between 17 – 19 years of age

· Regular menstrual cycle

· Dysmenorrhoea during menstruation

· Not taking treatment for pain/dysmenorrhoea

Exclusion Criteria:

Adolescent girls who are,

· Age above 20 Years.

· Taking home remedies for dysmenorrhoea

· Taking other treatment for medical illness.

RESULTS

Section A: Distribution of subjects based on socio – demographic variables:

Out of 30 subjects, 20% of subjects belongs to age group of 16 – 17 years and 80% belongs to age group of 18 – 19 years. Out of 30 subjects, 86.6% of subjects were Christian, 6.7% of subjects were Hindu and 6.7% of subjects were Muslim. Regarding Residence, 60% of subjects were residing in rural areas and 40% subjects were residing in urban areas. Regarding type of family, 93% subjects belong to nuclear family and 7% subjects belong to joint family. Out of 30 subjects, 20% subjects were having Pink color ration card and 80% subjects were having blue color card. Regarding food pattern, 3% subjects were Vegetarian and 97% subjects are non – vegetarian. Out of 30 subjects, 63.3% subjects had menarche between the age of 13 – 14 years and 36.7% subjects had menarche between the age of 14 – 15 years. Regarding pattern of Menstrual cycle, 100% of subjects have Regular Pattern Menstrual cycle. Out of 30 subjects, 20% of participants have 26 days of Menstrual cycle and 80% of subjects had 28 days of Menstrual cycle. Out of 30 subjects, 93% of subjects had no family history of Dysmenorrhea and 7% subjects had family history of Dysmenorrhea. Regarding Body Mass Index, 100% of subjects have 18.5 – 24.9Kg/M²Body Mass Index.

Section B: Distribution of subjects based on pretest scores and posttest scores of adolescent’s girls with Dysmenorrhea.

This section deals with the analysis and interpretation of data to determine assessments scores and evaluation scores of adolescent’s girls with Dysmenorrhea. Out of 30 subjects 83.3% of the adolescent girls had moderate dysmenorrhea, 16.7% of the adolescent girls had severe dysmenorrhea in the pretest. In the posttest 73.3% adolescent girls have mild dysmenorrhea, 26.7% adolescent girls have moderate dysmenorrhea.

Section C: Comparison between Mean and Standard Deviation of pretest and posttest scores in Numerical Pain scale

Table 1: Comparison between Mean and Standard Deviation of pretest and posttest scores in Numerical Pain scale. n = 30

Assessment of Adolescent Girls with Dysmenorrhoea	Mean	MD	SD	t Value	p Value
Pretest	6.26	3.33	1.72	11.05	0.00001*
Posttest	2.93	3.33	1.28	11.05	0.00001*

* = Significant at 0.05 level; MD= Mean Difference; SD= Standard Deviation

Table 1 depicts that, mean pretest and posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores in the subjects were 6.26 and 2.93 respectively. Mean difference of pretest and posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores 3.33. Pretest and posttest standard deviation were 1.725 and 1.28 respectively. The computed ‘t’ value of pretest – posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores regarding effect of Pudhina extract reducing dysmenorrhea was11.05 at P value of 0.00001. Since calculated p value was less than 0.05 (P<0.05), so H₁ is accepted.

Section D: Comparison between mean and standard deviation of pretest and posttest scores in Rating Scale on Signs and Symptoms of dysmenorrhoea.

Table 2: Comparison between mean and standard deviation of pretest and posttest scores in Rating Scale on Signs and Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea. n = 30

Health Status of Adolescent Girls	Mean	MD	SD	t Value	p Value
Pretest	50.30	6.07	11.48	58.44	0.00001*
Posttest	44.23	6.07	9.00	58.44	0.00001*

* = Significant at 0.05 level; MD= Mean Difference; SD= Standard Deviation

Table 2 shows that, according to pretest and posttest rating scale on signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea, the mean value in pretest 50.30 and posttest mean value 44.23 and its mean difference 6.07. Pretest standard deviation is 11.48 and posttest standard deviation is 9.00. The computed ‘t’ value was 58.44 at p value of 0.00001. Since calculated p value was less than 0.05(p<0.05), so H₁ is accepted.

Section E: Association between pretest scores and socio – demographic variables

Association between pretest Numerical Painscale scores and socio – demographic variables:

The finding of the present study revealed that there was a significant association between pretest Numerical Pain scale scores with socio – demographic variable such as residence (c² = 4, p value = 0.045).

Association between pretest Rating scale scores on Signs and Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea and socio – demographic variables

The finding of the study implies that there is significant association between pretest Rating scale scores on Signs and Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea and socio – demographic variables such as age in years (c²= 6, p value = 0.01), residence (c² = 9, p value = 0.002), type of family (c²= 10.71, p value = 0.001), age of menarche (c² = 4.85, p value = 0.02), length of menstrual cycle (c² = 6, p value = 0.01), family history of dysmenorrhea (c² = 10.71, p value = 0.001).

DISCUSSION:

The study was focused on the effect of pudhina extract in reducing dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in selected college of nursing at Kollam district. 30 adolescent girls with dysmenorrhoea participated in this study and the collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study have been discussed using objectives.

Objective 1: To assess the pretest scores of Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.

In this study, out of 30 subjects 83.3% of the adolescent girls had moderate dysmenorrhea, 16.7% of the adolescent girls had severe dysmenorrhea in the pretest.

Objective 2: To evaluate the effect of Pudhina extract in reducing Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.

The mean pretest and posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores in the subjects were 6.26 and 2.93 respectively. Mean difference of pretest and posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores was 3.33. Pretest and posttest standard deviation were 1.725 and 1.28 respectively. The computed ‘t’ value was11.05 and p value of 0.00001. Since calculated p value was less than 0.05 (p<0.05).

According to pretest and posttest rating scale on signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea, the mean value in pretest 50.30 and posttest mean value 44.23 and its mean difference 6.07. Pretest standard deviation is 11.48 and posttest standard deviation is 9.00. The computed ‘t’ value was 58.44 at p value of 0.00001. Since calculated P value was less than 0.05 (p<0.05).

Above mentioned that, numerical pain scale scores and Rating scale scores on Signs and Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea were reduced after the administration of Pudhina extract among adolescent girls.

Objectives 3: To find out association between the pretest scores of Dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls with selected socio – demographic variables:

The finding of the present study revealed that there was a significant association between pretest Numerical Pain scale scores with socio – demographic variable ‘residence’ (c² = 4, p value = 0.045).

The finding of the study implies that there is significant association between pretest Rating scale scores on Signs and Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea and socio – demographic variables such as age (c²= 6, p value = 0.01), residence (c² = 9, p value = 0.002), type of family (c²= 10.71, p value = 0.001), age of menarche (c² = 4.85, p value = 0.02), length of menstrual cycle (c² = 6, p value = 0.01), family history of dysmenorrhea (c² = 10.71, p value = 0.001).

NURSING IMPLICATIONS:

Nursing education:

· Nurse educators should take up the role of student counsellors at institutional level for the early identification of the dysmenorrhoea and to overcome that academic performance in their curriculum.

· Several alternative modalities including yoga, relaxation exercise have to be introduced through the curriculum to manage dysmenorrhoea and enabling the students overcome the problem.

Nursing administration:

Nurse administrator can organize in service education programme regarding dysmenorrhoea, associated symptoms and the benefits of pudhina extract for reducing dysmenorrhoea.

Nursing research:

· Research can also be done in nursing institution among adolescent girls to identify dysmenorrhoea, symptoms and it’s effective management.

· This study can be used to identify dysmenorrhoea and its associated symptoms and adequate management.

· The study will be a valuable reference and pathway for future researchers.

· The replication of the study can be done on a large sample with different research design.

Nursing practice:

· Effective management in nursing practice involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating pharmacological and non- pharmacological interventions.

· Adolescent’s girls and their families usually prefer to start non- pharmacological measures before considering pharmacological management.

· Additionally, the nurse offers emotional support and comfort measures such as hot application and relaxation technique.

· Successful management reduces pain and associated symptoms, improves daily functioning and enhances overall, well-being, enabling adolescent girls to manage their symptoms and resumes normal activities.

LIMITATIONS:

· One important limitation of the study was, that a small number of the sample was used.

· The study did not use any control group, therefore there are possibilities of threats to validity.

· Pudhina extract was administered only over a period of one week which may not be sufficient for the study findings.

· Standardization of extract composition and concentration is challenging, leading to inconsistent results.

· The bioavailability and absorption of pudhina’s active compounds, such as menthol and menthone, may vary due to factors like extraction methods, dosage form and individual, gastrointestinal differences.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

· As a part of their orientation, students can be given instruction to report any menstrual related problems to the co-ordinator.

· The same study can be replicated by using a true experimental research design which might yield more reliable results, to validate the findings and to make generalization.

· Replication of the study could be done with a larger sample to validate and generalize the findings.

· A similar study could be conducted for girls of all age group who were suffering from dysmenorrhoea.

CONCLUSION:

The following conclusion were drawn based on the findings of the study. The present study is done to assess the effect of pudhina extract in reducing dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. Based on the findings of the study the following conclusions were drawn. The study revealed that out of 30 subjects 83.3% of the adolescent girls had moderate dysmenorrhea, 16.7% of the adolescent girls had severe dysmenorrhea in the pretest. In the posttest 73.3% adolescent girls have mild dysmenorrhea, 26.7% adolescent girls have moderate dysmenorrhea. An average pretest and posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores in the subjects were 6.26 and 2.93 respectively. Mean difference of pretest and posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores 3.33. Pretest and posttest standard deviation was 1.725 and 1.28 respectively. The computed ‘t’ value of pretest –posttest Numerical Pain Scale Scores regarding effect of Pudhina extract reducing dysmenorrhea was11.05 and p value of 0.00001. Since calculated p value was less than 0.05 (P<0.05). According to pretest and posttest rating scale on signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea, the mean value in pretest 50.30 and posttest mean value 44.23 and its mean difference 6.07. Pretest standard deviation is 11.48 and posttest standard deviation is 9.00. The computed ‘t’ value was 58.44 at p value of 0.00001. Since calculated P value was less than 0.05 (p<0.05), so H₁ is accepted. Above mentioned that, numerical pain scale scores were reduced after the administration of Pudhina extract among adolescent girls. Thus, it can be concluded that the Pudhina extract was effective intervention for dysmenorrhea management.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Received on 12.11.2025 Revised on 05.12.2025

Accepted on 26.12.2025 Published on 26.02.2026

Available online from March 03, 2026

A and V Pub J. of Nursing and Medical Res. 2026;5(1):15-19.

DOI: 10.52711/jnmr.2026.04

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