Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Menarche among High School Students

Valsamma Cherian¹, Senthilkumar Thavasiappan²*, Jijina MV³ and Sajna mol J^3
1Professor, HOD-Department of Community Health Nursing, Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala, India
²Principal, Lourde College of Nursing, Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala, India
³Final year B.Sc Nursing student, Lourde College of Nursing, Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala, India
*Corresponding Author: Senthilkumar Thavasiappan, Principal, Lourde College of Nursing, Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala, India.

Published: January 07, 2024

DOI: 10.55162/MCMS.06.188

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Abstract  

Background: The present study aimed to correlate the age at onset of menarche and Body Mass Index (BMI) among high school students in Kerala. Objectives: To assess the age at onset and menarche among high school students. To assess and correlate age at onset of menarche and BMI among high school students. Materials & Methods: Quantitative approach with a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted among 200 high school girls students based on purposive sampling technique. Height, Weight, and BMI were calculated based on standard protocol and structured baseline proforma was completed including age of attainment of menarche among selected high school students through random selection. Results: The present study shows that most of the students prefer mixed dietary patterns (86%). Most of the mothers had attained their menarche at 13 years (67%). Most of the samples attained menarche at 14 years of age (40.50%). The correlation coefficient between BMI and age of attainment of menarche was -0.18. Conclusion: It is a moderately negative correlation since it lies between -1 and 0. The study concluded that there is no correlation found between age at the onset of menarche and BMI, also no association between age at the onset of menarche and BMI.

Keywords: Age and menarche; Body Mass Index; High school students

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