Adolescent girls, single-parent fathers, and menarche

When adolescent girls reach menarche, they often seek information about menstruation from their mothers. More adolescent girls are being raised in single-father families today and have limited or no contact with their mothers. Thirteen adolescent females, who lived with their fathers as the primary caretaker, described their menarcheal experience. The participants, who had close relationships with their fathers, found it embarrassing to discuss menstruation with any male, including their father. They believed their fathers lacked credibility regarding menstrual issues, and they experienced an emotional and physical distancing from their fathers. Nurses must be aware of the needs of single-parent father families, especially menstrual information for both girls and their fathers.