Effectiveness of self instructional module on knowledge of menstrual disorders among adolescent girls

Abstract

Menstruation is a normal monthly cycle in women. Women between puberty and menopause experiences menstruation. It can start between the age of 8-13 and last until between 45-55 years. Though menstruation is normal, some women experience dilemma during their monthly period like, menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhoea or other menstrual disorders. The menstrual cramps may be severely painful and can interfere with regular activities, sometimes leading to absenteeism in school or in other functions A self instructional module will help the adolescent girls to gain knowledge about menstrual disorders and to seek medical advice promptly whenever needed. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of self instructional module on knowledge of menstrual disorders among adolescent girls.This study made use of an evaluative approach with a one group pre-test post-test design. The sample for the study sample comprised of 60 adolescent girls. A disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 30 I PUC and 30 II PUC adolescent girls. Students were selected randomly by lottery method from each stratum of I PUC and II PUC. The tool and SIM were validated by 10 experts. Pre-testing and reliability of the tool was established prior to the pilot study. Pilot study was conducted among twelve adolescent girls. This gave a basis for the investigator to conduct the actual study. The actual study was conducted among 60 adolescent girls. Following the pre-test, SIM was administered and post-test conducted seven days after the administration of SIM. The obtained data was analyzed in terms of the objectives and hypotheses using descriptive and inferential statistics.The findings of the study showed that SIM is an effective teaching strategy to increase the knowledge of adolescent girls on menstrual disorders.The findings of the study proved that adolescent girls lacked knowledge on menstrual disorders. The SIM given by the investigator helped the adolescent girls to improve their knowledge. The effectiveness of SIM was tested in terms of gain in knowledge and the findings showed that it was statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study proved that SIM is an effective strategy in improving the knowledge of the adolescent girls. All the subjects had a gain in knowledge compared to their pre-test knowledge scores. On the whole, carrying out the present study was really an enriching experience to the investigator. It also helped a great deal to explore and improve the knowledge of the researcher and the respondents. The constant encouragement and guidance by the guide, co-operation and interest of respondents in the study contributed to the fruitful completion of the study.