The effect of acupressure and mindfulness applied to cope with premenstrual syndrome on premenstrual symptoms and quality of life

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure and mindfulness practice to cope with premenstrual syndrome on premenstrual symptoms and quality of life. Material and Method: Research is randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study consist of a total of 261 students, 87 acupressure, 88 mindfulness and 86 control group. Data were collected the Participant Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). The acupressure group was asked to apply acupressure two days a week for 12 weeks, a total of 24 times. Mindfulness group was asked to apply mindfulness for 3 cycles. After 3 cycles of acupressure and mindfulness application, in the experimental groups were asked to stop the applications for 3 cycles. The data were obtained PMSS and WHOQOL-BREF data collection forms 12 and 24 weeks after the pretest to all groups. Results: Mid-test and post-test PMSS scores in the acupressure and mindfulness group were lower than the control group (p<0.05). The physical, psychological and environmental sub-dimension mean scores in the experimental groups of the WHOQOL-BREF were determined to be higher than the control group (p<0.05). Mindfulness practice reduced the WHOQOL-BREF psychological subscale scores in the mid-test and post-test, and the environmental subscale scores in the mid-test. Conclusion: Acupressure and mindfulness applications were effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms and increasing quality of life, but they were not superior to each other. Acupressure and mindfulness continued to have a positive effect on premenstrual symptoms for 3 cycles after the application. Keywords: Acupressure, Nursing, Mindfulness, Premenstrual Syndrome, Quality of Life.