Published online Nov 19, 2023. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i11.958
Peer-review started: June 7, 2023
First decision: July 19, 2023
Revised: July 27, 2023
Accepted: August 7, 2023
Article in press: August 7, 2023
Published online: November 19, 2023
Processing time: 162 Days and 21.5 Hours
Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may encounter many difficulties with their menstrual cycles. Potential challenges that adolescents with ASD may face include understanding physical changes, coping with symptoms, emotional sensitivity, communication, personal care, and hygiene.
To evaluate the effect of menstrual hygiene skills training given to adolescents with ASD on their menstrual hygiene skills.
The study was conducted with 15 adolescents diagnosed with ASD by the single group pre-test and post-test model in three special education centers in Türkiye. Data were collected with the Adolescent and Parent Information Form and the Adolescent-Specific Menstrual Hygiene Skill Registration Form.
While the mean age of adolescents was 16.06 ± 0.88 years, the mean age of individuals responsible for adolescent care was 43.66 ± 5.56 years. While 60.0% of the adolescents noticed the onset of bleeding before training, this rate was 93.3% after training. The Adolescent-Specific Menstrual Hygiene Skill Registration Form showed a statistically significant increase in the application steps after the training. The difference between the menstrual hygiene skill scores of adolescents diagnosed with ASD before and after training was significant.
The menstrual hygiene skills training given to adolescents with ASD was beneficial in increasing their menstrual hygiene skills. These individuals must take responsibility during menstruation and independently manage their continuous care activities.
Core Tip: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may encounter many difficulties with their menstrual cycles. This study with 15 adolescents diagnosed with ASD by the single group pre-test and post-test model in three special education centers in Türkiye aimed to evaluate the effect of menstrual hygiene skills training given to adolescents with ASD on their menstrual hygiene skills. The menstrual hygiene skills training given to adolescents with ASD was beneficial in increasing their menstrual hygiene skills. These individuals must take responsibility during menstruation and independently manage their continuous care activities.