Health Care : Current Reviews

Memories and experiences of menarche among Jordanian adolescent girls: An interpretive phenomenological analysis study

Global Healthcare & Fitness Summit

July 20-22, 2015 San Francisco, USA

Nadin Abdel Razeq2 andOmar Al Omari1

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Health Care: Current Reviews

Abstract:

Menarche is a significant experience in adolescent’s girls’ lives. Culture is major factor in shaping the meaning of this experience.
In order to explore the lived experiences and the associated meanings of menarche among girls in Jordan, a homogenous
sample of seven Girls (11-14 years) who had first menstruation within last six months were asked to describe their Menarche
experiences using journal notebooks. Interpretive phenomenology was used to analyze the data. Menarche experience emerged
over three themes: A forbidden “topic”, keeping ‘topic’ to self and releasing-out. Each theme was characterized by distinct sets
of emotions knowledge seeking patterns. The Jordanian culture and the Islamic teachings have greatly influenced the menarche
experience among the girls. Menarche was considered a social taboo that should not be discussed openly. At the first signs
of menarche, participants were shocked, scared, confused and anxious. The girls had little information and support from
family and school. As a result, the girls built on their own perception about menarche and menstruation was associated with
profound negative emotions. Finally, there came a time when the participants decided to share the experience but hesitantly
with mothers and close friends. The girls were alone and undergone undesirable psycho-emotional consequences as a result
of lack of support. Formal educative interventions at school and in the community are recommended in order to support and
help the girls understand the natural changes in female body and reproduction system.