LIVED EXPERIENCE OF EARLY MENARCHE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS
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Abstract
Introduction: Many adolescent females begin their periods without being informed, unprepared, or too early. This study aimed to investigate the lived experience of Early Menarche among adolescent girls.
Methods: This study used an interpretive phenomenological method. A consistent sample of 10 Adolescent girls, ages 10-12 years, who had attained menarche one year prior to the data collection. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, participants were asked to narrate their experiences and their narratives were used for interpretative phenomenological analysis by the researcher.
Results: Results of the study revealed Five major themes emerged intrinsic, physiological, mood-relate, societal, and ecological Factors. Some girls felt pride in coming of age and at the first signs of menarche; participants were shocked, scared, confused, and anxious. Some girls experienced severe cramps, palpitations, and uncomfortable sleep but did not take any medications. They maintained good hygiene during menstruation.
Conclusion: Adolescent females need rigorous health education to understand and control the reproductive changes that occur in their bodies.