| Menarcheal age in Turkey: Secular trend and socio-demographic correlates |
| Authors: |
Adalii, Tuggba; Koçç, IIsmet |
| Source: |
Annals of Human Biology, Volume 38, Number 3, May 2011 , pp. 345-353(9), DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/03014460.2011.552891 |
| Topic(s): |
Menarcheal age
|
| Country: |
Asia
Turkey
|
| Published: |
MAY 2011 |
| Abstract: |
Abstract:
Background: Menarche is an important indicator for assessing the developmental status of pubertal girls. Despite its importance, there is no nationwide information on menarcheal age in Turkey.
Aim: This paper is the first attempt to examine age at menarche for Turkey as a whole. The aim is to present the secular trend of menarcheal age and variations across different socio-demographic groups.
Methods: Data were employed from the Turkey Demographic and Health Survey, 2008. Mean menarcheal ages were estimated for birth cohorts and socio-demographic sub-groups. The pace of decline in menarcheal age has been estimated using multiple linear regression analysis, controlling for year of birth and other variables.
Results: Mean age at menarche was estimated as 13.30 (95% CI == 13.26--13.35). It was estimated as 13.17 years (95% CI 12.95--13.38) for the youngest birth cohort (1989--1993), as opposed to 13.44 (95% CI 13.37--13.52) years for the cohort born in 1959--1968.
Conclusion: Regression analysis indicated a decrease of 1.44 months per decade, providing evidence of a secular trend in menarcheal age in Turkey. Further results suggested childhood place of residence, education, welfare status and number of siblings to be significantly associated with menarcheal age.
Keywords: Menarche; menarcheal age; secular trend; Turkey; TDHS-2008 |
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