The Factors Influencing Menarche Age and Menstrual Problems in Adolescent Girls in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Introduction: Menarche, the onset of menstruation, is a critical milestone for adolescent 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 factors influencing menarche age and menstrual problems among adolescent girls in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring determinants of menarche age and the prevalence of menstrual problems in this population. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to 30, 2018. A multi-stage random sample of 380 adolescent high school girls in Addis Ababa government and private schools was selected. Data were collected via self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed in 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, higher family income, higher parental education, and smaller family size were significant predictors of earlier menarche. Lower menarcheal age increased the risk of menstrual pain and school absenteeism. However, physical activity, vegetable intake, and parental occupation were not associated with menarche age. Conclusion: These findings highlight the complex, multi-faceted factors influencing the onset of puberty and 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.