FACTORS INFLUENCING MENARCHE AGE AND MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Menarche, the onset of menstruation, is a significant turning point for teenage girls globally. The age of menarche and associated menstrual health challenges have far-reaching implications for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of young women. Despite the importance of this topic, there is limited research on the factors influencing teenage girls' menarche age and menstruation issues in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the determinants of menarche age and the prevalence of menstrual problems in this population. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 randomly selected adolescent high school girls from government and private schools in Addis Ababa. Data were collected via a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean menarche age was 13.42 ± 1.35 years. Attending private schools (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.28–3.12; p = 0.001) and higher family income (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: 22.02–72.01; p = 0.002) were significant predictors of earlier menarche. Lower menarcheal age increased the risk of menstrual pain (AOR = 6.92; 95% CI: 3.7–12.89; p = 0.001) and school absenteeism (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.34–5.62; p = 0.005). However, maternal education (AOR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.37–1.84; p = 0.006), smaller family size (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.40–1.05; p = 0.08), physical activity (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 0.01–2.56; p = 0.06), and vegetable intake (AOR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.67–1.47; p = 0.97) were not associated with menarche age. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the complex, multifaceted factors influencing the onset of puberty and the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in Ethiopia. Comprehensive interventions addressing sociocultural, economic, and educational barriers are crucial to empower girls and promote their overall health and educational outcomes.