The Relationship Between Knowledge and The Behavior of Adolescent Girls in Managing Dysmenorrhea During Menstruation

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent gynecological conditions among adolescent girls and a major public health concern because it negatively affects school attendance, academic performance, and quality of life. In West Sumatra, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea is estimated at 57.3%, yet many adolescents continue to have inadequate knowledge and inappropriate self-management behaviors. Understanding the relationship between knowledge and management behavior is essential for developing effective school-based reproductive health interventions. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between knowledge and dysmenorrhea management behaviors among adolescent girls at the Abi Center Tilatang Kamang Islamic Boarding School, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: A quantitative study with a descriptive-correlational cross-sectional design was conducted among 173 adolescent girls selected through cluster sampling from a population of 304 students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and dysmenorrhea management behaviors. The association between variables was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. Results: Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of dysmenorrhea, which was generally associated with more appropriate management behaviors. Conversely, adolescents with moderate or poor knowledge were more likely to report inadequate management behaviors. Statistical analysis demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between knowledge and dysmenorrhea management behavior (r = 0.456, p < 0.001), indicating that higher knowledge levels were significantly associated with better self-management practices during menstruation. Conclusion: Knowledge plays an important role in adolescents' dysmenorrhea management behaviors. Strengthening menstrual health education through school-based reproductive health programs may improve adolescents' ability to adopt evidence-based self-management strategies, thereby reducing the adverse effects of dysmenorrhea on daily activities and academic performance.