Abstract
Background Dysmenorrhea is a common problem which can alter the daily routines of females. Primary
dysmenorrhea affects 40 to 90% women. Dysmenorrhea sufferers account for 3 among 4
women as per evidences. Traditional remedies are chosen to get some relief because
of their least side effects. These remedies have a favorable effect in reducing dysmenorrhea.
Ginger is used since ancient times as various forms of alternative medicine. One of
the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain. The aim
of this study was to identify the effectiveness of ginger tea in dysmenorrhea.
Objectives The objectives of this study are (1) Assess the level of dysmenorrhea among nursing
students. (2) Determine the effectiveness of ginger tea on dysmenorrhea among nursing
students. (3) Find the association between level of dysmenorrhea before the administration
of ginger tea and demographic variables.
Methodology A quantitative research approach with quasi-experimental design was considered. The
sample comprised of 50 students with moderate and severe menstrual pain as per numerical
pain rating scale. The baseline data was collected. Ginger tea was prepared by the
researcher and administered 120 mL to the subjects; on the first 2 days of menstruation
in the morning and night after breakfast and dinner, respectively. Level of different
aspects of pain was assessed before the administration as well as 2 hours after administration
of ginger tea using Pain Quality Assessment Scale. Pre- and post-test were taken before
as well as 2 hours after administering the drink. A total of four doses are given
and ratings were measured eight times. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential
statistics.
Results The present study revealed that the median score of all seven characteristics of
pain was higher in the preintervention when compared with postintervention. Mann-Whitney
U test showed that there was a significant difference in level of pain between the
experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that there was a significant difference
in pain measurements before and after the administration of ginger tea (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that ginger tea was effective in reducing menstrual
pain. Chi-square test and likelihood ratio were used to find the association between
baseline dysmenorrhea with demographic and clinical variables. It was found that there
is no significant association (p > 0.05). The responses given by the experimental and control group was mentioned
separately. Ginger tea effects and experience were verbalized by the experimental
group alone. This supported the statistical finding that ginger tea is effective in
reducing dysmenorrhea.
Conclusion Findings revealed that the administration of ginger tea can bring a sudden relief
among the subjects with dysmenorrhea. The awareness about alternative therapies must
be created among public.
Keywords
ginger tea - effectiveness - dysmenorrhea - nursing students
