The Impact of a Psychoeducation Programme to Enhance Communication on Menstrual Health Among Mothers of Pre-menarche Daughters Using a Phenomenological Approach

Background:
Studies show that mothers are the primary informants of female adolescents about reproductive health, suggesting that they need effective communication skills and stay informed about the physical and emotional changes they undergo, as discussing reproductive health issues can be challenging and uncomfortable. The current investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of a psychoeducational programme within the context of a post-psychoeducation research analysis.

Method:
The qualitative study employed a pre- and post-intervention phenomenological research design. The study recruited mothers of pre-menarche girls in urban Bengaluru using purposive sampling methods. The participants were categorised into six groups based on education and language proficiency. They participated in focus group discussions before and after a psychoeducation programme. The programme assigned a 2-week homework task focused on conversations about menstruation with daughters. Subsequent to the programme, the groups reassembled for further discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted by a qualitative analyst using Atlas ti after the data was transcribed.

Outcome:
The post-psychoeducation phase results indicate that mothers effectively communicated about menstruation to their daughters. A mediated communication platform facilitated this exchange, featuring bidirectional dialogue where mothers responded to their daughters’ reactions, providing comfort and reassurance. Additionally, mothers felt more prepared to discuss menstruation following their psychoeducation training.

Implications of the study:
Schools and organisations should establish reproductive health courses for parents, emphasising emotional support for daughters during menarche and preparing for related emotional changes. Creating a menstrual attitude scale for the Indian population to assess perceptions of menstruation, therefore providing women and girls with essential knowledge and assistance to accept their bodies.