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Menarchial Age of Secondary School Girls in Urban and Rural Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Chidiebere Ikechukwu, Ikaraoha and Ikaraoha Chigaekwu, Mbadiwe and Chidi Uzoma, Igwe and Dennis O, Allagua and Okoye, Mezie and Golden TO, Iwo and Peace I, Ofori (2005) Menarchial Age of Secondary School Girls in Urban and Rural Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. [Journal (On-line/Unpaginated)]

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Abstract

The menarchial age of 859 secondary school girls consisting of 508 from urban and 351 from rural area of Rivers State, Nigeria were determined, using questionnaires and interview method. Data collation revealed that 69.2% (243) of the rural population were menstruating, while 70.1% (356) of the urban population were menstruating. Mean ages of menarche were 13.19±1.32 years and 14.22±1.47 years for urban and rural areas respectively .A statistically significant lower mean menarchial age was observed in urban area girls, compared to their rural counterparts. Girls from families of high socio-economic class has significantly lower mean menarchial age in both urban and rural area. The mean age of menarche was significantly higher in girls involved in vigorous sporting activity in rural areas compared to their non-sporting counterparts. Urban school girls attain menarche earlier than those in rural area. High socio-economic class and vigorous sporting activity can be predisposing factors to low and high age of menarche respectively. There is need for redefinition of high socio-economic class in Nigeria.

Item Type:Journal (On-line/Unpaginated)
Keywords:Menarchial age, School Girls, Urban, Rural, Sports, Socio-economic class
Subjects:JOURNALS > Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences
ID Code:4554
Deposited By: Kakkilaya Bevinje, Dr. Srinivas
Deposited On:20 Oct 2005
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:56

References in Article

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