Factors Influencing Early Onset of Menarche Among School Children A Case Control Study

Authors

  • Jesna Joseph 1 , Sushmitha R Karkada2, Shobha Kamath3

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v11i11.11389

Keywords:

Menarche, early onset, factors influencing, school children, nutrition, physical, environmental.

Abstract

Introduction: Menarche is the appearance of first menstrual bleed. Many factors leads to early onset of
menarche, of which physical factors, genetic factors, environmental factors, nutritional factors and family
factors play a pivotal role. Objectives: The present study titled “Factors influencing early onset of menarche
among school children” was an attempt to assess the mean age at onset of menarche and to determine the
factors influencing early onset of menarche among cases and controls. Methods: A case control study was
adapted to identify the factors influencing early onset of menarche among 411 (137 in cases and controls
274) children who were aged between 8-12 years. The schools were selected by simple random sampling
technique and subjects by purposive sampling technique. Results: The study identified the mean age at
onset of menarche among school children (including cases and controls) was 10.81 ± 0.821yeras. Mean
age at which siblings attained the menarche for controls were at 12 ± 1.697 years and controls was at 13 ±
1.697 years. The study also revealed statistically significant association between factors like consumption
of fast food (x2= 1.250, p<.001), knowledge about menarche (x2= 8.588, p =.003) and excessive exercise
(x2= 11.387, p<.001) and onset of menarche. The chance of having early onset of menarche was 60.4% i.e.
(1- .396* 100) times more among cases who took nutritional supplements regularly. Conclusion: The study
concludes that physical and nutritional factors needs parenteral control in order to remain fit and healthy.

Author Biography

  • Jesna Joseph 1 , Sushmitha R Karkada2, Shobha Kamath3

    1
    MSc Nursing student, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education,
    2
    Asst Professor, Ph.D., MSN, RN/RM Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Manipal
    Academy of Higher Education, 3 Lecturer, MSN, RN/RM Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing
    Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education

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Published

2020-10-21

How to Cite

Factors Influencing Early Onset of Menarche Among School Children A Case Control Study. (2020). Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 11(11), 304-312. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v11i11.11389