Determinants of age at menarche in Korean elementary school girls / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: During the recent decades, the age at menarche continued to decline in Korea and worldwide. Prior studies have suggested that early menarche may increase the risk of various social, psychological, and physical health problems in young adolescent girls, but little is known about the determinants associated with early menarche. The purpose of this study is to evaluate independent determinants of early menarche among 5th~6th female graders in South Korea. METHODS: Our analysis was conducted in 95 menarcheal girls and 95 age-matched pre-menarcheal girls residing in Daegu, South Korea. Demographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected using survey questionnaires for children and parents. Dietary information was assessed by 2 day~24 hour food records and survey questionnaires, which were completed by both children and their parents. Anthropometric data were obtained from the student health check-ups at the school. RESULTS: A multiple logistic regression analysis using a conditional likelihood method was performed for simultaneous evaluation of several risk factors. There were significant differences in that higher proportion of obesity (OR, odds ratio = 5.60, 95% CI, confidence interval = 1.34~23.42), shorter sleep duration (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23~0.87), and younger mother's age at menarche (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44~0.93) were observed in the menarcheal group compared to the premenarcheal group. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate a possible association of sleep duration, mother's menarcheal age, and obesity with age at menarche. A well-planned, prospective cohort study is warranted to examine causal relationship.

A Study of Menstruation of Middle School Students / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to provide preliminary data for menstrual education and research for the early adolescents. METHODS: Participants were 320 middle school students in Gangreung city. Data collection was done from May 1 to May 30, 2004 by self administered questionnaires. RESULTS: In recollecting of menarche experiences, students felt more negative (happy 18.5%, confused 72.6%, embarrassed 82.2%, angry 38.1%, proud 26.2%, excited 15.6%, surprised 54.7%). For menarche preparation, there was a low level of explanations and knowledge of menstruation, and preparedness for menarche. Key informants regarding menstruation experiences were the mother and school teacher. The mean age of menarche was 12.3years old. 66.6% had premenstrual symptoms, and the mean score of VAS for dysmennorrhea was 4.50. Significant variables related to the VAS score were embarrassed of menarche experience (F=3.38, p=.019), preparedness for menarche (F=2.86, p=.038), and premenstrual symptoms (t=63.36, p.000), CONCLUSION: Preparation for a positive menarche experience prior to menarche is necessary. More active menstrual education should be given for early adolescents in the school and family setting. Replication studies in other regions and developing a menstrual education program is recommended. Systematic examinations of perimenstrual discomforts for early adolescents should be followed.