Edad de menarquia y ascendencia indígena: Un estudio poblacional en Chile / Age at menarche and indigenous ancestry: A population study in Chile
Rev. méd. Chile
;
140(8): 1035-1042, ago. 2012. ilus
Article
in Spanish
| LILACS
| ID: lil-660056
ABSTRACT
Background:
The age at menarche may influence decisively health and disease in women. It also indicates the beginning of the reproductive period and, as a consequence, the possibility of biological continuity for the human species. Genetic and environmental determinants define the age of menarche and can explain differences found among different populations.Aim:
To determine the age at menarche among adolescents with different levels of indigenous descent (parental indigenous surnames), considering the effect of socioeconomic and demographic factors. Material andMethods:
An observational study of historic cohorts of8.624 girls from the Arauca-nía Region (central-southern Chile) was carried out. Data were collected by health professionals using a previously validated questionnaire. Occurrence of menarche was estimated through survival analysis and compared between groups (according to indigenous parental surnames) adjusted for parents' income and educational level and provenance (rural/urban).Results:
Estimated median age of menarche was 151 months (95% Cl 150-151). In female with four indigenous surnames, menarche occurred two months later than girls without indigenous surnames and with two indigenous surnames (p < 0,001). In girls whose parents had lowest level of schooling, the difference increased to eight months later (p < 0,005).Conclusions:
Age at menarche in the group with higher indigenous descent is later even if socio-economic conditions remain stable. Genetic factors might play an important role, however conditions of vulnerability can influence and further delay the onset of reproductive competency.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Menarche
/
Indians, South American
/
Menstrual Cycle
/
Menstruation Disturbances
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Chile
Language:
Spanish
Journal:
Rev. méd. Chile
Journal subject:
Medicine
Year:
2012
Type:
Article
/
Project document
Affiliation country:
Chile
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidad de La Frontera/CL
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