Factors associated with age at menarche, menstrual knowledge, and hygiene practices among schoolgirls in Sharjah, UAE Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study focused on understanding the factors associated with age at menarche, menstrual knowledge, and hygiene practices among schoolgirls in Sharjah, UAE. The researchers aimed to identify the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing the timing of menarche, the level of knowledge these schoolgirls had about menstruation, and their menstrual hygiene practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 410 schoolgirls aged 8–17 years across four private schools in Sharjah, UAE. The study also evaluated the relationship between socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), and other demographic factors in determining the age at which girls experience menarche.
Who was studied?
The study involved 410 schoolgirls from Sharjah, UAE, aged between 8 and 17 years. These participants were selected from both elementary and secondary grades across four private schools in Sharjah. The study excluded participants with diagnosed chronic conditions that could potentially influence the timing of menarche, such as endocrine, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders. The cohort represented a mixture of Arabs and non-Arabs, with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, which were recorded in private spaces to ensure comfort and privacy.
Most important findings
The average age at menarche was found to be 11.5 years (SD ± 1.17), which is notably younger than the average age in other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. A significant association was observed between lower household income and delayed menarche, with girls from lower-income households experiencing menarche later. Additionally, younger participants (less than 12 years old) attained menarche earlier than their older counterparts. More than half (57.7%) of the participants had good menstrual knowledge, although 48.8% had minimal knowledge before menarche. As for menstrual hygiene, 54.7% of the participants adopted adequate practices, using disposable sanitary materials, changing them at least three times a day, and washing their bodies and genitalia with soap and water.
Key implications
The findings suggest that girls from higher socioeconomic backgrounds tend to experience menarche earlier and have better knowledge and hygiene practices. These results highlight the importance of addressing menstrual education in schools, particularly for younger girls, and ensuring that it is integrated early enough to prepare them for menstruation. The study underscores the need for policies to enhance menstrual education and hygiene practices, particularly in underprivileged communities, where such education is often lacking. Early intervention through school-based menstrual health education could bridge knowledge gaps and promote healthier menstrual practices, ultimately reducing reproductive health issues in the future.