Awareness about Early Menarche and Its Associated Problems among Female Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: In many developing countries, the age of menarche is declining due to various factors. Early pubertal development or early menarche among girls could be associated with higher risks of poor health, so it is important to bring awareness and gain knowledge about early menarche and it's associated problems. Aim: To assess the awareness and knowledge about early menarche and its associated problems among female medical students. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study was done among the 1st year, 2nd year and 3rd year girls studying in a medical college in Chennai. Methods: This study was conducted among 232 participants. A convenient sampling method was used.  A pretested semi-stricter questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and awareness about early menarche and its associated problems. Statistical Analysis Used: Data was entered in an excel spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS software version 16, statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test. Results: Out of 232 participants 33.7% had good knowledge about early menarche and its associated problems. There was a significant association between the year of study and the level of knowledge of the participants. 42.35% were aware that “early menarche can lead to breast cancer and ischemic heart disease”. Conclusion: Thus, this study helps us to bring more awareness about early menarche and its associated problems and to prevent it by gaining knowledge about the factors resulting in early menarche.