Investigating Factors Affecting the Early Onset of Puberty in Primary School Girls

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting early onset of puberty in primary school girls. Methods: This study was done on 687 primary school girls living in Kordkuy, Iran. The sample size was calculated using the Krejcie-Morgan sample size determination table. Data were collected using interviews and a researcher-made questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS (version 22) using the Chi-square test, Spearman's correlation coefficient and exploratory factor analysis. Results: There was a strong positive correlation between level of awareness of girls and physical and psychosocial changes. Overweight, type of diet and watching satellite films were associated with the earlier onset of puberty. Conclusions: Based on the results of our study, raising awareness of families about the harmful effects of satellite films and unhealthy eating habits may have a significant role in physical and psychosocial health of girls