Abstract

Menarche is an event signalling a female’s attainment of full reproductive capability. Information on the sexual health of young females can aid in health planning and the understanding of the onset of various illnesses in later life. This was a study conducted in Zuru, Kebbi state Nigeria amongst secondary school girls to observe the average age at menarche and its association with various variables, potentially demonstrating the association between different factors and reproductive growth. An average age at menarche of 13.79 ± 1.72 years was obtained. Anthropometric variables such as weight, height and body mass index were observed to have a statistical association with menarcheal status. While physical activity family size had no effect on the age at menarche. The average age at menarche observed in the study is comparatively high. The development of the region and its influence on nutrition may be a major contributor.

Key words: Menstruation, Menarche, Reproductive Health, Weight, Nutritional status