Is age of menarche related with body mass index?

Prediction of the onset of menstruation [menarche age] using height, weight and Body Mass Index [BMI] is a major health procedure. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between anthropometric indices and menarche age in 488 girls 11-17 years in southern Iran [Kish Island] in 2011. Data was collected using questionnaires as well as measurements of the children's height and weight. This data was analyzed using t-test and logistic regression. Median age of menarche of menstruated girls as inferred from the age of menarche cumulative distribution was 12.9 years. Mean [SD] BMI in menstruated and non-menstruated girls were 21.97 [4.5] and 19.17 [3.7], respectively. Mean [SD] weight and height of the menstruated girls were 53.65 [12.3] kg and 156.06 [5.5] cm, respectively which are higher than respective figures of the non-menstruated participants 43.70 [10.7] kg and 150.21[6.3] cm, respectively. Our results revealed a significant correlation between BMI and menarche age. Menarche age and BMI are significantly correlated with higher BMI related to lower menarche age

[Assessing the mental health status of elderly in Shahrekord and relationship with sociodemographic factors]

The world population is aging rapidly with increasing longevity, it's social, financial and health consequences can not be ignored. In addition to an increase of many age related physical illnesses, this demographic change will also lead to an increase of a number of mental health problems in older adults. This paper assessing mental health and relationship with demographic factors in later life. In this cross sectional study 400 individual aged 60 or more living in Shahrekord were selected by random sampling. Mental health was evaluated by General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-28] which was standardized for Iranian elderly population. The data were analyzed by SPSS- software program and descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for data analysis. The GHQ-28 scale revealed that 53% of elderly were with somatization, 55. 5% with anxiety, 37.8% with social dysfunction and 45% with depression signs. A significant association was found between gender, level of education, marital status, life status, social participation and total dysfunction [P<0.05]. According to the result of this study the prevalence of mental problems in the aged group is high. Therefore, any health promotion approach that could facilitate introduction of effective primary, secondary and even tertiary prevention strategies in old age psychiatry would be of significant importance