Effects of a Menstrual Coping Training Program on menstrual management knowledge and skills among young women with mild intellectual disabilities

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effect of a Menstrual Coping Training Program (MCTP) on menstrual management knowledge and skills among young women with mild intellectual disabilities (ID) managing the hygienic, physiological, emotional, and social issues experienced during menstruation.Methods Using a single-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design, the study involved 12 young women with mild ID (aged 14–19). All completed the pretest, training, and posttest phases; however, maternal constraints restricted the generalization and follow-up phases to six participants. The MCTP utilized Behavioral Skills Training across 9 training, 25 generalization, and 12 follow-up sessions. Data were collected via expert-validated forms and analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Friedman alongside descriptive visual analysis for individual experiences.Results The statistically significant increase in participants’ menstrual knowledge from pretest to posttest (z = 3.063, p < 0.01, r = 0.63). Comparisons with Mann-Whitney U, confirmed no significant initial differences between the withdrawn and completer groups in pretest or posttest scores (p > 0.05). For the remaining six participants, it was observed that knowledge was significantly retained, particularly at the second follow-up measurement (t = −2.417, Adj. p = 0.007 < 0.05, r = 0.69). Descriptive tracking showed successful skill generalization to natural settings, tailored to unique individual menstrual cycles.Conclusions The MCTP shows potential as an educational framework to foster independent menstrual coping and long-term maintenance in young women with mild ID.