Perception of Menarcheamong Secondary Schools Students in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objectives:The aim of this study is to assess menarche impression and perception among secondary schools studentsMethodology: Cross-sectional studywas conductedtoselect a sample purposely offifty-fivestudentsinthe first class of intermediate school inBaghdad city,andinformation was collectedthrough aquestionnaire formfilledduring the month ofDecember 2012, descriptive statisticalmethodswere usedto analyze thedata.Results: The results showed thatthe highest percentage(37%) ofthe study sampletheir menarche were at age (13) year and(66%) of the adolescentshad previously information about menstruation and used of sanitary napkin from their mothers. Regarding impressionaboutmenstruationthehighest percentage(47%)ofthe study sample, theirimpressionwasfear andmorethan a third ofthe study samplewasfear andcryingwhen they saw the blood atthe first time.Recommendations: The results of this study indicated a need for accurate education program of the adolescent female, parents and grandparents on menstruation because some misconceptions exist in the adolescent population about menstruation through mass media, and adding a sex education curriculum in schools to provide detailed information about growth and development of puberty, with appropriate and menstrual health hygiene as well as management of the menstrual cycle and menarche.Conclusion: The study concluded that adolescent female their impression about menarche were fear and more than third of study sample their perception when they saw blood first time were crying and fear. The results of this study indicate a need for accurate education program of the adolescent female, parents and grandparents on menstruation because some misconceptions exist in the adolescent population about menstruation through mass media, and adding a sex education curriculum in schools to provide detailed information about growth and development of puberty, with appropriate and menstrual health hygiene as well as management of the menstrual cycle and menarche