Menarche age in Iran: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• The age of menarche, a key indicator of female reproductive health, has historically decreased and varies globally.
• Previous research in Iran indicates a wide range of menarche ages.
• A comprehensive understanding of the average age at menarche in Iran is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the overall mean age at menarche for girls in Iran.
• To synthesize existing data on menarche age in the Iranian population.

Main Methods:

• A systematic meta-analysis was conducted, reviewing studies from 1950 to 2013.
• 47 relevant studies were selected from 1088 initially identified articles.
• Cochran's Q test was used to assess homogeneity, and random-effects models reported the mean age at menarche with 95% confidence intervals.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis achieved homogeneity across the 47 studies (Tau-square = 0.00).
• The calculated mean age at menarche for Iranian girls was 12.81 years (95% CI: 12.56–13.06).

Conclusions:

• The mean age at menarche in Iran is comparable to the United States and Colombia, lower than some European countries, and higher than others.
• Potential contributing factors to the observed age at menarche in Iran include shifts in lifestyle and children's diets.
• This finding provides a crucial benchmark for reproductive health assessments in Iranian girls.