Factors Affecting the Age at Menarche in High School Students in the West of Iran

Abstract

Background: .The age at menarche is a chief determinant of female puberty, which also indicates the health of the target population that is influenced by various environmental and hereditary factors. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the factors that impact the age at menarche in high school students of Khorramabad. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional correlational study that included 544 students attending high school in Khorramabad. The following information was collected: demographic data, age at menarche and anthropometric characteristics. Results: The mean age at menarche subjects was 13.10±1.06 years and menarche age ranges from 10 to 16 years. There was no significant difference in the demographic data and age at menarche. The height of students was the significant determinant of the age at menarche; whereas, students’ weight showed had an inverse relationship. Consequently, the body mass index (BMI) of students had a significant difference with the age at menarche. Conclusion: The age of menarche was positively associated with growth in height and inversely associated with weight and BMI.