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Edad de menarquia y ascendencia indígena: Un estudio poblacional en Chile / Age at menarche and indigenous ancestry: A population study in Chile
Ossa, Ximena; Bustos, Patricia; Muñoz, Sergio; Amigo, Hugo.
Affiliation
  • Ossa, Ximena; Universidad de La Frontera. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Salud Pública. Temuco. CL
  • Bustos, Patricia; Universidad de La Frontera. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Salud Pública. Temuco. CL
  • Muñoz, Sergio; Universidad de La Frontera. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Salud Pública. Temuco. CL
  • Amigo, Hugo; Universidad de La Frontera. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Salud Pública. Temuco. CL
Rev. méd. Chile ; 140(8): 1035-1042, ago. 2012. ilus
Article in Es | LILACS | ID: lil-660056
Responsible library: CL1.1
ABSTRACT

Background:

The age at menarche may influence decisively health and disease in women. It also indicates the beginning of the reproductive period and, as a consequence, the possibility of biological continuity for the human species. Genetic and environmental determinants define the age of menarche and can explain differences found among different populations.

Aim:

To determine the age at menarche among adolescents with different levels of indigenous descent (parental indigenous surnames), considering the effect of socioeconomic and demographic factors. Material and

Methods:

An observational study of historic cohorts of8.624 girls from the Arauca-nía Region (central-southern Chile) was carried out. Data were collected by health professionals using a previously validated questionnaire. Occurrence of menarche was estimated through survival analysis and compared between groups (according to indigenous parental surnames) adjusted for parents' income and educational level and provenance (rural/urban).

Results:

Estimated median age of menarche was 151 months (95% Cl 150-151). In female with four indigenous surnames, menarche occurred two months later than girls without indigenous surnames and with two indigenous surnames (p < 0,001). In girls whose parents had lowest level of schooling, the difference increased to eight months later (p < 0,005).

Conclusions:

Age at menarche in the group with higher indigenous descent is later even if socio-economic conditions remain stable. Genetic factors might play an important role, however conditions of vulnerability can influence and further delay the onset of reproductive competency.
Subject(s)
Key words

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: LILACS Main subject: Menarche / Indians, South American / Menstrual Cycle / Menstruation Disturbances Type of study: Observational_studies / Prevalence_studies / Risk_factors_studies Limits: Adolescent / Child / Female / Humans Country/Region as subject: America do sul / Chile Language: Es Journal: Rev. méd. Chile Journal subject: MEDICINA Year: 2012 Document type: Article / Project document Affiliation country: Chile Country of publication: Chile

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: LILACS Main subject: Menarche / Indians, South American / Menstrual Cycle / Menstruation Disturbances Type of study: Observational_studies / Prevalence_studies / Risk_factors_studies Limits: Adolescent / Child / Female / Humans Country/Region as subject: America do sul / Chile Language: Es Journal: Rev. méd. Chile Journal subject: MEDICINA Year: 2012 Document type: Article / Project document Affiliation country: Chile Country of publication: Chile