MOTHER’S KNOWLEDGE AND ANXIETY REGARDING EARLY MENARCHE IN CHILDREN

Early menarche, the onset of menstruation before 8 years of age, represents a significant deviation from normal pubertal development. The normal age of menarche ranges between 10–14 years, with variations influenced by genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors¹. Early puberty has been associated with various psychosocial challenges including emotional stress, social stigma, and difficulties in adapting to rapid physical changes².Mothers serve as primary caregivers and educators for children experiencing early menarche. Their knowledge levels, attitudes, and anxiety regarding this condition significantly influence the child's adaptation and psychological well-being. Despite the critical role of maternal preparedness, limited research has examined the dual dimensions of knowledge and anxiety among mothers of children with or at risk of early menarche.

OBJECTIVES

1. Assess mothers' knowledge regarding early menarche, its causes, consequences, and management
2. Evaluate anxiety levels and preparedness among mothers
3. Identify areas requiring targeted intervention

METHODOLOGY

Study Design and Setting

Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted through structured questionnaire administration.

Participants

A total of 29 mothers of female children participated in the study. Inclusion criteria: mothers with female children aged 6–14 years. Convenience sampling was employed.

Instruments: A structured questionnaire comprising three sections:

• Section A: Socio-demographic characteristics (8 items)
• Section B: Knowledge assessment (15 items) covering definition, normal age, causes, consequences, physical/emotional changes, menstrual hygiene practices, and maternal roles
• Section C: Anxiety and preparedness assessment (10 items) rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree, 5=Strongly Agree)

Scoring

• Knowledge items: 1 point for each correct response, total score 0–15
• Anxiety items: Higher scores indicate greater agreement with the statement

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and medians were calculated.

RESULTS

Socio-Demographic Characteristics

TABLE

Score	n	%
13/15	4	13.8
14/15	8	27.6
15/15	17	58.6

 

 

1. 4. Sources of Information

Health personnel (34.5%), family (27.6%), and schools (24.1%) emerged as primary information sources. The diversity of sources indicates good information accessibility for this educated cohort. However, the persistence of anxiety despite multiple information channels suggests that information quality and emotional support components may be inadequate.

1. 5. Clinical and Public Health Implications
1. Need for Psychosocial Interventions: Healthcare providers should address emotional preparedness alongside information provision.
2. Targeted Counseling: Mothers of children aged 6–8 years (the highest-risk group in this sample) require anticipatory guidance before puberty onset.
3. School-Based Programs: Given schools' role as information sources (24.1%), structured puberty education programs could bridge knowledge-emotion gaps.
4. Family-Centered Care: Joint counseling sessions involving mothers and children may reduce maternal anxiety while preparing children.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a critical disconnect between cognitive knowledge and emotional preparedness among mothers regarding early menarche. While the study population—predominantly educated, urban mothers—demonstrates excellent knowledge about early menarche definition, causes, consequences, and management, significant anxiety persists across multiple domains. The highest anxiety levels concern the child's emotional well-being and safety during puberty, areas where maternal emotional investment is greatest.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Integrate emotional preparedness modules into existing puberty education programs
2. Develop anticipatory guidance protocols for mothers of at-risk children (6–8 years)
3. Establish support groups for mothers navigating early puberty
4. Train healthcare providers to address both knowledge and anxiety during consultations

LIMITATIONS

1. Small sample size (n=29) limits generalizability
2. Convenience sampling may introduce selection bias toward more educated, engaged mothers
3. Cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences
4. Single-center/region data may not represent diverse populations
5. Social desirability bias may inflate knowledge scores

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

1. Large-scale multi-center studies with diverse socioeconomic representation
2. Longitudinal designs tracking knowledge and anxiety changes through puberty
3. Intervention studies testing anxiety-reduction strategies
4. Qualitative exploration of the knowledge-anxiety disconnect
5. Development and validation of a standardized "Maternal Puberty Preparedness Scale"

REFERENCES

1. Parent AS, Teilmann G, Juul A, et al. The timing of normal puberty and the age limits of sexual precocity: variations around the world, secular trends, and changes after migration. Endocrine Reviews. 2003;24(5):668-693.
2. Mendle J, Turkheimer E, Emery RE. Detrimental psychological outcomes associated with early pubertal timing in adolescent girls. Developmental Review. 2007;27(2):151-171.
3. Chothe V, Khubchandani J, Seabert D, et al. Students' perceptions and doubts about menstruation in developing countries: A case study from India. Health Promotion Practice. 2014;15(3):319-326.
4. Adinma ED, Adinma JI. Perceptions and practices on menstruation amongst Nigerian secondary school girls. African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2008;12(1):74-83.
5. Walvoord EC. The timing of puberty: is it changing? Does it matter? Journal of Adolescent Health. 2010;47(5):433-439.