An Association between Menarche and Nutritional Status of Female Students of A Rural Primary School

The association of menarche and nutritional status was studied in 116 female students of the 6 th grade in a rural primary school. Participants were divided into two groups based on menarcheal status. The anthropometric data showed that mean heights and weights of menarcheal group on two occasions were significantly higher than those of the other group (p<0.01). Neither hemoglobin levels nor hematocrit values for determination of anemia were not associated with menarche. Twenty four hour dietary recall revealed that young females with menarche consumed less energy and Ca compared to the other group. Ca intake was 34.8% of RDA in menarcheal group. It might be suggested that effective intervention strategies need to be developed and include education programs for nutritional needs and food sources of Ca, targeting rural residents.