A study of association between early menarche and anxiety in undergraduate students
Poorva Bakshi1, Sharanya B Shetty2, Abira Sharma2
1Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
Background:
Anxiety has been reported to be one of the most common epidemics in recent years. The present study focused on understanding the association between early menarche and the prevalence of anxiety and anxiety symptoms among adult undergraduate students.
Methods:
This was an observational, case-control study. The sample included 146 young female adults aged more than or equal to 18 years pursuing the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS). Using an online questionnaire, participants were asked to recall and enter the age at which they attained menarche. We used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7- Item Questionnaire (GAD-7) to measure the severity of their present anxiety symptoms.
Results:
The results showed a significant increase in anxiety symptoms in participants who had early menarche compared to those who did not have early menarche. The mean score on the GAD-7 Questionnaire for the cases was 9.93 and the control group was 6.89. The GAD-7 scores among the cases group were significantly higher in the GAD-7 scores than in the control group.
Conclusions:
This study concluded that early menarche is associated with higher anxiety levels in young adults.
Related Concept Videos
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.


