Assessment of parental stress in view of low physical activity levels and lifestyle habits in girls with precocious puberty – an Indian scenario after COVID-19

Study purpose. Precocious puberty, defined as the onset of sexual development before the expected age, is becoming an increasing concern. This study investigated the potential link between lifestyle factors and the unusually early onset of puberty among girls in Tamil Nadu, India. It also explored a series of psychosocial challenges faced by children and parental anxieties related to early puberty. Precocious puberty has been associated with an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer later in life. There is an urgent need to reduce its prevalence by promoting prevention and management through healthy practices such as physical activity, yoga, a yogic diet, and rehabilitation when necessary, in order to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy childhood and stress-free menstrual management. Methods. A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit 761 participants (girls aged 6.4 to 10 years) across Tamil Nadu. A Google Form was used for data collection and included demographic questions, the Precocious Puberty Parental Stress Index (P3SI), and inquiries about puberty symptoms and potential psychosocial problems. Results. The study revealed a correlation between certain lifestyle factors and the prevalence of precocious puberty. Nearly all participants lived in nuclear families where both parents were employed, and most reported non-vegetarian diets. Alarmingly, a significant number of children did not engage in any physical activity beyond mandatory school-based classes, with screen time dominating their leisure activities. The findings also indicate a link between early puberty and psychosocial difficulties, including parental concerns about safety. Conclusion. This study found a possible connection between early puberty, excessive screen use, and low levels of physical activity. It highlights the major challenges that children and their parents must face during this developmental phase. The results underscore the importance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits—such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and limited screen time—to reduce the risks associated with precocious puberty.