title: Knowledge and beliefs about the body interior during early adolescence: the case of menstruations.
abstract: Contrasting with the increase of curiosity about sexual matters at the time of puberty, is the paucity and distortion, recognized by many authors, of young adolescents' sex-oriented knowledge. In the present study attention focused on knowledge about the internal mechanisms that cause menstrual bleeding. The study was conducted in a situation where schools do not provide systematic information about sexual matters, as is the case in many parts of Italy. Three hundred forty-eight young adolescents, ages 11 to 14 years, male and female (pre- and post menarcheal) from southern Italy, were interviewed with an open questionnaire method. The results showed consistent lack of correct information regarding menstrual event, in a high percentage of subjects, both male and female. A descriptive content analysis of subjects' explanations of menstruations was made and several categories of explanations were put in evidence.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amann-Gainotti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008572:Menarche / Q000523:psychology; D008598:Menstruation / Q000523:psychology*; D011606:Psychosexual Development