Comparison of the effect of HEGU point ice massage and music on pain and comfort levels in dysmenorrhea

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the effect of ice massage applied to the Hegu point and music on pain and comfort levels in nursing students with dysmenorrhea. Material and Methods: The first stage of the study, which was carried out in two stages, was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which students with dysmenorrhea were identified; the second stage was planned as a randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study consisted of 129 students studying at Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Health Sciences Nursing Department, who met the sampling criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Students with dysmenorrhea were divided into three groups: Hegu point ice massage, music and control. The intervention was performed on the first and second days of menstruation. Results: On the first day of menstruation, the pain levels experienced by the students in the ice massage group at the 0th, 30th and 60th minutes after the application were lower than those in the control and music groups; in the music group at the 30th and 60th minutes after the application were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). On the second day of menstruation, the pain levels experienced by the students in the ice massage group at the 0th and 30th minutes after the application were lower than those of the control group, those in the music and control groups at the 60th minute; in the music group at the 60th minute were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). It was determined that there was no difference between the general comfort questionnaire total pre-test mean scores between the groups (p>0.05); it was found that the post-test mean scores of the students in the ice massage group were higher than the students in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It can be said that ice massage applied to the Hegu point and music are effective methods in reducing the pain levels and increasing the comfort levels of students with dysmenorrhea. Key words: Primary dysmenorrhea, ice massage, music, pain, comfort.