Comparative Analysis of Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Practices Among Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Adolescents

The experience of dysmenorrhea can vary significantly between immigrant and non-immigrant adolescents. This study aims to compare the dysmenorrhea self-care practices among immigrant and non-immigrant adolescents.

This study had a comparative cross-sectional design that was done in 2025. The population consisted of 209 immigrant and non-immigrant adolescent girls in 7th and 8th grade in Konya, Türkiye. Data were collected using the Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale and a demographic form. Data was analyzed using independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant level.

The mean age of participants was 13.71 years, and the average age at menarche was 11.84 years. Reported pain severity averaged 4.76 (maximum possible score: 10). The total dysmenorrhea self-care score averaged 87.85 (maximum possible score: 200), with significantly lower scores observed among immigrant adolescents (p < .001). Immigrants also reported a later age at menarche (p = .002) and lower scores in several dysmenorrhea self-care subdimensions. A moderate positive correlation was observed between pain severity and dysmenorrhea self-care (r = 0.394, p < .001), and a weak positive correlation was found between years lived in Türkiye and dysmenorrhea self-care (r= 0.181, p < .001).

Immigrant adolescents had lower dysmenorrhea self-care scores, later menarche, and relied more on traditional methods than Turkish peers, who practiced evidence-based care. Family and culture influenced self-care, while higher pain increased engagement. Culturally sensitive school and community education is vital to enhance menstrual health literacy and equitable self-care practices.