Knowledge Matters: The Relationship Between Menstrual Health Literacy and Dysmenorrhea Management in Indonesian Adolescents
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: dysmenorrhea is one of the most common menstrual problems among adolescents and frequently associated with diminished quality of life, reduced academic performance, and increased school absenteeism. Despite its high prevalence, adolescents often demonstrate insufficient knowledge and rely on suboptimal strategies to manage menstrual pain. Strengthening understanding of the link between knowledge and behaviour is essential for developing effective school based interventions.
Purpose: this study aimed to examine the association between knowledge of dysmenorrhea and pain management behaviour among adolescent girls at SMAN 28 Tangerang, Indonesia.
Methods: a cross sectional analytic design was applied, involving 157 female students who had experienced dysmenorrhea. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the Kolmogorov Smirnov test indicated that the data were not normally distributed. Variables were categorized based on median values, and analysis was conducted using the chi square test.
Results: results showed that 53.5% of respondents had good knowledge, while 63.1% demonstrated good management behaviour. A statistically significant association was identified between knowledge and management behaviour (p=0.013). Adolescents with good knowledge were more than twice as likely to engage in effective dysmenorrhea management practices compared with those with poor knowledge (OR=2.443; 95% CI: 1.258-4.745).
Conclusion: these findings emphasize the importance of targeted educational interventions and supportive school environments to improve menstrual health management among adolescents.
Article Details
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