Abstract

PERCEPTION OF FEMALES ABOUT THE USE OF PAINKILLERS AND HERBAL MEDICATIONS FOR PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA IN VALACHIL, MANGALORE

Thejaswini B.*, Shabaraya A. R., Rachana, Roystan D. S., Shraddha, Shwetha,

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is a commonly occurring gynaecological disorder in females that is characterized by painful cramps before or during menstruation. Our study investigates the perception of females regarding use of painkillers and herbal medication in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and created awareness using patient information leaflet (PIL). This is a community based interventional study carried out among 109 females of Valachil Mangalore by using pre-validated questionnaires and patient information leaflets for a period of 2.5 months. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistical method [frequency and percentage] and chi-square test. In our study majority of participants 74 (67.88%) were belonging to the age group of 18-25 years. 99(90.82%) of them were previously heard about dysmenorrhea. 73(66.97%) of respondent reported using herbs with fennel being most common 39(35.77%), painkillers were used by 11(10.09%) respondents with mefenamic acid 17(15.59%) and 25(22.93%) used other mode of medication; most commonly used complementary alternative therapy, 59 was bed rest. 25(22.93%) of respondents believed that CATs(Complementary and Alternative Therapies) were equally effective as analgesic. Chi-Square test showed that the use of medications was not significantly associated with reporting of pain severity and effect on daily life activity. The perception of females regarding the use of herbs was high as compared to painkiller and other mode of medication. Female believed that CATs were equally effective as painkiller.

Keywords: Dysmenorrhea, Herbs, Painkillers, Complementary and Alternative Therapies, Awareness.