Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify menstrual discomforts and coping m adult women. The subjects were 577 adult women. aged 20 years old and over. selected by convenient sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from December 2. 2004 to December 31. 2004. Two instruments were modified and used in this study. the Menstrual Discomfort Questionnaire by Park(1988) and the Menstrual Coping Questionnaire by Billings & Moos(198l). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. t-test. and ANOVA with SPSS 10.0 program. The results of this study were as follows. 1. The prevalence rate of dysmenorrhea was $85.6\%$. 2. The total mean score for menstrual discomforts was 2.82 of a possible total of 5. The mean score for each category was 3.10 for water retention. 2.93 for negative affect. 2.89 for pain. 2.74 for autonomic reactions. 2.73 for behavioral change. and 2.59 for concentration. 3. Statistical differences were found for menarche age(F=9.351. p<.00l), feeling to menstruation(F=12.376. p<.001). dysmenorrhea(t=7.3l7. p<.001). onset of dysmenorrhea (F= 12.766. p<.001). taking medication(t=6.289. p<.001). and degree of taking medication (F=12.924. p<.00l). 4. The coping modes with the highest scores were 'rest and go to the bed '$(83.3\%)$. 'regard menstruation as a physiological and temporary phenomenon' $(68.6\%)$, and 'take a warm shower' $(64.5\%)$. We conclude that there were many women with dysmenorrhea. that the first day was the onset of menstrual discomfort. and that it differed by menarche age. feeling to menstruation. dysmenorrhea. onset of dysmenorrhea. taking medication. and degree of taking medication. Nursing intervention has to be considered in programs to reduce menstrual discomfort.