Menarche age and its related factors among girls of primary and secondary schools

ObjectiveTo investigate the age distribution of menarche and its related factors of primary and secondary school girls, so as to provide a basis for the development of health education.

MethodsA cross-sectional survey and measurement of height and weight were conducted among 2 476 school girls from grade 4 of primary school to grade 2 of senior school in Jiading District of Shanghai from September to October 2016.Demographic characteristics and age distribution of menarche, and the relationship between age of menarche and its relevant factors were analyzed by multiple linear regression.

ResultsProbability unit regression method demonstrated that the age of menarche of female students was 12.11 years old, and 95%CI was 10.20~14.38 years old.The age of menarche of female students was mainly related to the relationship between parents, household registration, body mass index and learning pressure.

ConclusionThe age of menarche of female students in Jiading District is basically the same as that of female students in Shanghai, and the body mass index and environmental factors have a close influence on the age of menarche, which requires targeted improvement of adolescent health care services.