Effectiveness of Sensitization Programme on Knowledge Regarding Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) among Adolescent Girls

The onset of adolescence is usually associated with the commencement of puberty and the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. Menstruation (a period) is a major stage of puberty in girls; it's one of the many physical signs that a girl is turning into a woman. Menstruation (a period) is a major stage of puberty in girls; it's one of the many physical signs that a girl is turning into a woman.

Therefore the present study was taken up with an objective to evaluate the effectiveness of planned teaching regarding the knowledge of premenstrual syndrome and its management among adolescent girls.

A pre experimental research design (one group pre test post test design) was used and 60 adolescent girls studying in 10^th class of a selected school of rural area, district Sangrur were selected by total enumerative sampling technique. Data was collected by self-report method using multiple choice questionnaire regarding premenstrual syndrome and its management. A sensitization program on premenstrual syndrome and its management was developed and implemented after the pre test knowledge assessment. The post test knowledge assessment was 5 days later.

Findings revealed that out of total 60 subjects, 55% of study subjects had below average knowledge regarding premenstrual syndrome during pre test which improved to 77% of subjects gaining good knowledge in post test assessment. Findings revealed that mean knowledge score in post test assessment was higher as compared to Pretest (22.3 ± 2.59 Vs 10.4 ± 1.59 p<0.05).

It was concluded that awareness (level of knowledge) regarding premenstrual syndrome and its management was below average among adolescent girls which improved after education. Therefore, it was recommended to organize exhibitions and health lectures regarding premenstrual syndrome and its management at school level.