Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device on Pain Intensity among Female Students during Primary Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Background: primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by cramping, dull, and throbbing pain in the lower abdomen. The device of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one of the non-pharmacological approaches to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. The gate control theory and the release of endogenous morphine are at the core of TENS' effect on primary dysmenorrhea. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device on pain intensity among female students during primary dysmenorrhea. Research design: A quasi-experimental study design was applied. Research setting: The study was performed in the medical clinic at Gulf Colleges, Hafr Al Batin Governorate, Saudi Arabia. Sampling: A purposive sample comprised of 100 students. They were assigned randomly into two different groups (50) the active TENS group (study group), and (50) for TENS placebo group (control group) Tools: three tools to collect data: Tool (I): socio-demographic and menstrual characteristics, Tool (II): dysmenorrheal pain profile, Tool (III): Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). It was used to measure the intensity of pain for both groups. Results: There was a statistically significant difference found among students of the study group after the intervention, where (P-value<0.0001). Moreover, another high significant difference was also detected among students of the study group after the first and second months of intervention about their intensity of dysmenorrheal pain where (P-value=0.000). Conclusion: TENS is a non-pharmacological method for reducing the severity of pain and symptoms associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Recommendations: TENS should be advocated as a non-pharmacological method for the treatment of primary dysmenorrheal pain.