Risk Factors of Early Menarche Among Adolescent Girls

Early menarche may have a contribution to the risk of degenerative diseases at older age. Fast food was associated with early menarche among girls. This study aimed to examine the risk factors of early menarche. The cross-sectional study was used and it was located in selected junior high school, Padang city. Data was collected by standardized questionnaires for fast food consumption, physical activity, nutritional status, pocket money, exposure to the opposite sex and mass media. A total of 159 female adolescents participated in this study and early menarche was 27%. The result showed that mother’s age at menarche (p value=0.0001;OR=13.76), frequency of fast food (p value=0.001;OR=9.986), fat intake of fast food consumption (p value=0.013;OR=15.589), physical activity (p value=0.012;OR=4.303), nutritional status (p value=0.035;OR=3.47) and pocket money (p value=0.004;OR=7.416) were the risk factors of early menarche. By regression logistic analysis, the calorie intake was the protective factor and fat intake of fast food consumption was the dominant factor of early menarche. An adolescent should eat food in balance composition according to their needs and reduce fast food consumption to prevent the negative consequences of early