Effect of using Femi-band acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological disorders. It is affects more than half of menstruating women. The study aim was to investigate the effect of using Femi-band acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods: Study Design: Randomized controlled trial design was utilized in this study. Study subjects: A purposive sample was used to collect one hundred and fifty students who were randomly divided into two groups an intervention group: consisted of 75 students who applied the acupressure Femi-bands to both legs three times daily for first three days of menstruation with application to each leg for 1 minute. The control group: consisted of 75 students who applied a placebo band three times daily for first three days of menstruation to each leg for 1 minute. Tools: Five tools were be used for data collection: An interviewing schedule, Visual Analogue Scale, Femi-band, Follow up chart and Satisfaction likert scale.

Results: In the intervention group, the severity of pain decreased from 8.27 to 2.92 following intervention, the severity of pain decreased after using the Femi-band (immediately, 30 min, one hour, and 2 hours) at 1st, 2ed, and 3rd month in the intervention group. When the severity of pain was analyzed at each time period, significant differences were observed (immediately, 30 min, one hour, and 2 hours) after applying the band at 1st, 2ed, and 3rd month.

Conclusions: Intervention group had significant reduction in the severity of dysmenorrhea after using the Femi-band acupressure. Recommendation: Encouraging the use of Femi-band acupressure during the first days of menstruation to reduce menstrual pain.