Menarche among Brazilian women: memories of experiences.
OBJECTIVE
to present women's experiences of menarche and related memories.


METHODS
qualitative study using focus groups for data collection.


METHODS
the city of Campinas, São Paulo state, Brazil.


METHODS
64 women aged 21-51 years, experiencing menstrual periods, with former or current sexual activity and no perceived infertility.


METHODS
eight focus groups were carried out using a semi-structured guideline. Discussions were recorded with participants' consent, and transcribed and revised. Thematic content analysis was carried out using gender relations as the theoretical framework.


RESULTS
menarche was experienced as a passage from childhood to womanhood, associated with belonging to a new group and acquiring a new status in the family. The experiences of menarche were not always welcomed or expected, but were recalled as associated with body changes and awareness of sexual issues. The mother's behaviour and attitudes towards menarche were clearly seen as generators of strong and everlasting impressions, either in a positive or negative way. Memories related to the experience of menarche extended through their life, interfering with their relation with their own body, including their reproductive health.


CONCLUSIONS
the way in which menarche is experienced may exert an impact on women's reproductive health, sexuality and lifestyle behaviours.


CONCLUSIONS
the acknowledgement of menarche experiences can be useful to guide health-care providers towards more effective education of girls on sexual and reproductive health issues and better attention to women's needs.
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Maria Clara Estanislau
MC
do Amaral
Ellen
E
Hardy
Eliana Maria
EM
Hebling
D000328:Adult; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008016:Life Change Events; D008572:Menarche / Q000523:psychology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018456:Reproductive Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D012649:Self Concept