A Cross-Sectional Study On Menarche, Operative Delivery, And Prevalence Of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension In Women Among Kalita, A Caste Population, And Deori, A Scheduled Tribe Population Of Assam, North East India

Abstract

Women’s reproductive health profile is not only a biomedical construct but one which is influenced by social, cultural, psychological, economic and political factors of the people concerned. Menarche is one of the most significant milestones in a women’s life. Throughout the developed and developing world rates of caesarean section (C-Section) have risen over recent years. This rise has multiple significant impacts on health status of women. In the present study both qualitative and quantitative approaches have been used to conduct the study among the women of Deori and Kalita, a scheduled tribe and caste population of Assam respectively. Aims of the study have to understand the relationship of age at menarche (AAM) and the risk of operative delivery and hypertension in pregnancy. A total of 814 (Deori- 430; Kalita- 384) subjects were studied and their mean age was 33.34±7.6 years. In this study higher percentage of C- section delivery and hypertension during pregnancy is found among the women who have experienced early menarche. Women with early menarche have found greater odds ratios for increasing C- section delivery and hypertension during pregnancy among Deori and Kalita women.

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