Impact of an Educational Session about Premenstrual Syndrome Management Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Young Adult females’ knowledge and Practice

Objectives: To assess the impact of educational sessions about PMS management using CAM on young adult females' knowledge and practice Methods: The quasi experimental design was used to conduct the study.The study compromised non probability convenience sample of 201 young adult female nursing students from preprofessional as well as professional years.The sample size was estimated using sample size calculator.Three tools were developed to collect data for this study namely: Sociodemographic questionnaire, pre knowledge and practice assessment tool, and post knowledge and practice assessment tool.A structured session about CAM use in management of PMS was carried out for each subject.The participants were aware about the aim of the study.Verbal agreements (consents) were taken before data collection.Data was coded for entry and analysis using SPSS statistical software package version 18. Results: The mean age of the sample was 21.98 + 1.23years old.About two thirds (66.3%) of the sample reported that they got their knowledge from family and friends.There was a significant improvement of the subjects' knowledge regarding PMS after the educational session which included definition, time, and symptoms of PMS (p = 0.000 for each).Also the knowledge of the participants was significantly improved after the educational session regarding CAM use to mange PMS.This included Diet, supplements, herbal, mind body intervention, manipulative and body-based methods (p= 0.000for each).The total knowledge score increased significantly after the educational session (P = 0.000).Conclusion: The educational session significantly increased female awareness and practice about PMS.