Variation in menarcheal age of Assamese girls

Abstract

The onset of menarche of 571 Assamese girls was investigated and the study sample included individuals from the population of various Assamese castes (brahmin, kalita, kaibarta), the Muslims and from the 2 Mongoloid populations, ie, the ahoms and the sonowals of Assam. Attempt was made to ascertain inter-group differences among themselves. The study revealed that there was insignificant statistical variation among the populations under consideration. Finally, the present findings were compared to that of the mean menarcheal age obtained on the same population by the earlier researchers which revealed good deal of variation among them. Secular trend in the age at menarche among these populations are discussed. Evidence of steady fall of menarcheal age in several populations has been noted in the present study.

PIP: This study determined the mean age at menarche among 571 Assamese girls who came from various castes (brahmin, kalita, and kaibarta). The sample population also included Muslims and two Mongoloid populations. Evidence from early research suggested that differences in the mean age at menarche occurred between castes and scheduled tribes in Assam, India. Findings from the present study indicate that the mean age at menarche was 12.23 +or- 0.19 years among brahmin girls, 11.96 +or- 0.16 years among kalita, and 11.92 +or- 0.08 years among kaibarta. The decline in age at menarche followed the decline in status among this caste. Among Muslims, the mean age at menarche was 12.10 +or- 0.10 years. Among the Mongoloid group, the mean age at menarche was 11.83 +or- 0.09 years for ahoms and 11.94 +or- 0.12 years for sonowals. There were no statistically significant differences in menarcheal age between caste and tribal groups. Findings suggest a change in the mean age at menarche over time. Age at menarche appeared to decrease among the kaibarta, sonowal, and Muslim groups; it appeared to increase among the brahmin, kalita, and ahom groups. These findings are considered tentative pending further research.