Prevalence of Lifestyle Factors and Stress on Early Age of Menarche in Adolescent Girls Across Sindh

Nida Bibi Soomro; Mehwish Maqsood; Muskan Sakina; Nimra Sarwar; Nida Fatima; Nisha Mahesh; Murk Pirah; Murk Muqadas; Soni Payal

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v4i5.3220

Authors

Nida Bibi Soomro Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Mehwish Maqsood Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Muskan Sakina Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Nimra Sarwar Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Nida Fatima Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Nisha Mahesh Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Murk Pirah Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Murk Muqadas Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan
Soni Payal Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Nawabshah, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v4i5.3220

Keywords:

Menarche, adolescent girls, lifestyle factors, stress, BMI, physical activity, Pakistan, reproductive health, early puberty

Abstract

Background: Menarche is a key marker of female pubertal development, and its timing is influenced by genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and psychological factors. In recent years, a global decline in age at menarche has raised concerns due to its association with multiple adverse physical and mental health outcomes. However, limited regional evidence exists regarding the role of lifestyle factors and stress in early menarche among adolescent girls in Sindh, Pakistan. Objective: To determine the prevalence of early menarche and assess its association with lifestyle factors and perceived stress among adolescent girls across Sindh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 219 adolescent girls aged 10–15 years who had attained menarche. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate BMI. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0, and associations were assessed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The majority of participants experienced menarche at 11–13 years (67.6%), while 14.2% reported early menarche (≤10 years). High levels of sedentary behavior, poor dietary habits, increased screen time, and moderate stress (84.5%) were commonly observed. A significant proportion of participants also had suboptimal BMI and limited physical activity. Conclusion: Early menarche is prevalent among adolescent girls in Sindh and is strongly associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and psychological stress. Targeted interventions promoting healthy lifestyle practices and stress management are essential to improve adolescent reproductive health.

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