Age at menarche and body mass index [BMI] among female nurses at benha university hospital

ABSTRACT

Menarcheal age is recognized as an important indicator of pubertal development in females. In addition, mean or median menarcheal age for groups of girls is an important indicator of population health, well-being, and socioeconomic stratification and progressively declines when subjected to improving environmental conditions. is evaluate the relationship of age at menarche with adult BMI among 573 females of nurses in the aged 18 to 25 years in benha university hospital. The study sample consisted of all staff nurses working in different units at benha university hospital, The data of the study were collected using the following tools 1-Structured questionnaire sheet, measurement of body weight, Height, and body mass index, showed the mean age was 21.70 +/- 4 years for the total sample, It was found the Mean age at Menarche was 13.77 +/- 1.74 this value ranged from the minimum [9 years] to the maximum [17 years]. The body mass index ranged from minimal [16.58 +/- 1.22kg/m2] under weight to the maximal [32.81 +/- 2.40kg/m2] obese. The mean BMI of female nurses [28.47 +/- 5.19] was inversely related to the mean age at menarche [13.77 +/- 1.74 years] of female nurses. There were statistically significant and positive correlation between the age at menarche and the BMI. our finding indicated that the age at menarche of studied sample had some significant effects on the BMI. It was an important factor in the onset of over weight and obesity, The results create important implications for nurses in the areas of assessment, client teaching, counseling, and research