"Decoding Menarche: The Role of Diet and Nutritional statusin Shaping Onset Age for Schoolgirls in Southern Tamil Nadu"

Background and Objectives: Adolescents constitute over one-fifth of India's population, marking a critical transitional phase from childhood to adulthood. Menarche and menstrual hygiene significantly impact a woman's life. This study aims to determine the average age at menarche and evaluate how dietary patterns and nutritional status influence this age among adolescent schoolgirls in Coimbatore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 790 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years across eight schools in Coimbatore district. Participants were interviewed using a validated, pretested questionnaire with parental consent and participant assent. Data collection included anthropometric measurements using standardized instruments. Results: The average age at menarche for the study participants was 11.55 ± 1.06 years. Linear regression analysis identified significant factors affecting the age at menarche (p<0.05) as type of family (β= 0.102), area of residence (β=0.264), and consumption of fruits (β= -0.095) and green leafy vegetables (β= -0.317). Height and waist circumference positively correlated with age at menarche, while weight and hip circumference showed negative correlations. Conclusion: The mean age at menarche among the adolescent schoolgirls was 11.55 ± 1.06 years. Bivariate analysis revealed that family type, fruit and green leafy vegetable consumption, and anthropometric measurements significantly influenced the age at menarche.