THE DESCRIPTION AGE AT MENARCHE AND PREPARATION FOR MENSTRUATION OF CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 10-11 YEARS

Abstract

The previous studies has shown that the age of menarche appears at earlier age. It indicated the age of puberty appears at younger age. There are many physical and psychological changes occur at puberty. The aims of this study are to analyze age distribution of menarche and the preparation in facing early menarche. This research used descriptive quantitative method; the data was collected by questionnaires from 140 respondents aged between 10 and 11 years. It analyzed the distribution of age at menarche and preparation for menstruation The quantitative research data showed that 15% respondents had menarche. All of respondents who had menarche, 52% respondents have menarche was 11 years old, 43% at 10 years old, and 5% respondents have menarche at 9 years old. The most of respondents in 74% said they are not ready to face of early menarche. In conclusion, there are respondents who had menstruated at an early age, starting from 9 years and most of them occur at the age of 11, preparation for menstruation, most of them are not ready to face menstruation. This research suggests that more comprehensive education program and psychological supports especially from parents should target girls to prepare them for an early menarche.
Keywords: Adolescent Girls, Menstruation, Menarche, Preparation