Knowledge and beliefs about the body interior during early adolescence: the case of menstruations

Contrasting with the increase of curiosity about sexual matters at the time of puberty, is the paucity and distortion, recognized by many authors, of young adolescents' sex-oriented knowledge. In the present study attention focused on knowledge about the internal mechanisms that cause menstrual bleeding. The study was conducted in a situation where schools do not provide systematic information about sexual matters, as is the case in many parts of Italy. Three hundred forty-eight young adolescents, ages 11 to 14 years, male and female (pre- and post menarcheal) from southern Italy, were interviewed with an open questionnaire method. The results showed consistent lack of correct information regarding menstrual event, in a high percentage of subjects, both male and female. A descriptive content analysis of subjects' explanations of menstruations was made and several categories of explanations were put in evidence.