Using auricular acupressure to relieve premenstrual syndrome in female students
Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure in Treating Premenstrual Syndrome in Female Undergraduate Students
This study is testing whether auricular acupressure can help relieve PMS symptoms in female college students aged 18 to 25.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ho Chi Minh city) |
| Trial ID | NCT06981533 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of auricular acupressure in alleviating symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) among female undergraduate students aged 18 to 25. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving acupressure treatment or a control group receiving a sham treatment over an 8-week period. The study assesses PMS symptoms using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool and measures quality of life with the WHOQOL-Bref scale. The trial aims to provide a non-invasive alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments for PMS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 who experience symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic conditions or severe psychological stress may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment option for managing PMS symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for auricular acupressure in managing PMS symptoms, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female students aged 18 to 25 with active menstrual cycles and menstrual periods ranging from 25 to 35 days. * Participants must be able to accurately recall the start date of their most recent menstruation cycle. * Participants must exhibit symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and meet the diagnostic criteria for PMS as defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 2014. * Participants must not have any chronic conditions, including respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), thyroid disorders, autonomic nervous system disorders, hypertension, coronary artery disease, or diabetes, as determined through clinical examination, medical history, and prior medical records. * Participants must not have severe psychological stress (a score lower than 27 on the Perceived Stress Scale - PSS-10). * Participants must be mentally alert and in good contact with the researcher. * Participants must voluntarily consent to participate in the study. * Participants must not have prior knowledge of auricular acupuncture or auricular acupressure. Exclusion Criteria: * Infection or lesions in the ear area (e.g., scars, tears, abrasions). * Menstrual cycles shorter than 25 days or longer than 35 days. * Participants unable to recall the start date of their most recent menstruation cycle. * Participants diagnosed with gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts, based on medical history and recent abdominal ultrasound results (within the past 6 months). * History of abortion, currently pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the study period. * Use of antidepressants and/or antipsychotic drugs, hormone supplements, oral contraceptives, or intrauterine devices within the past two months. * Current or past psychiatric disorders. * Participants with severe psychological stress (a score between 27 and 40 on the PSS-10). * Unstable mental state, sensory impairments (e.g., hearing, vision, speech), or cognitive disabilities. * Previous auricular acupressure, acupuncture, or other forms of acupuncture for PMS treatment within the last 6 months. * Use of medication for PMS symptom relief during the study period.
Where this trial is running
Ho Chi Minh city
- Faculty of Traditional medicine - University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City — Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tai HK Pham, PhD
- Email: phktai@ump.edu.vn
- Phone: +84-933-925532
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.