Menstrual attitudes among black and white premenarcheal girls.

PROBLEM

To determine if a difference exists between black and white fifth-grade girls' attitudes about menarche and menstruation.

METHODS

The Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire-Adolescent Form (Brooks-Gunn & Ruble, 1980) was used to collect data from 55 premenarcheal females, ages 10-12 years.

FINDINGS

The findings indicated no difference between black and white girls in Affirmation or Worry. Like older samples, the girls were moderate in affirmation. Unlike older samples, they evidenced less worry.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the instrument used in this study raises questions in general regarding its use as originally developed. In addition, specific questions were raised about its use with different cultural groups.