The effect of Health Belief Model‐based health education programme on coping with premenstrual syndrome: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

AbstractAimThe aim of this randomised controlled study was to determine the effect of Health Belief Model (HBM)‐based health education programme in late adolescent period on coping with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).MethodsThirty women both in the intervention and control groups were included. The HBM‐based education programme was applied to cope with PMS. The intervention and control groups were followed up for three cycles in terms of PMS symptoms. The data were collected by a questionnaire and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the pre‐test mean scores and the first, second and third follow‐up mean scores; and between the first follow‐up mean score and the second and the third follow‐up mean scores in the repeated measurements of the intervention group (p <.05). The mean scores of the intervention group were found to be significantly lower than the control group in the second and third follow‐ups (p < .05).ConclusionIn conclusion, HBM‐based health education was effective for coping with PMS. It is recommended for dealing with PMS to use HBM‐based education programmes, to motivate the students for life style changes, and to identify the obstacles and the benefits perceived about PMS.