The Relationship Between Readiness For Menarche And Attitudes Toward Menstrual Myths Among Early Adolescents At Mi Nidhomiyah Jombang

Abstract

Menarche is a critical developmental phase for early adolescents, often accompanied by anxiety and misinformation regarding menstrual myths. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between readiness for menarche and attitudes toward menstrual myths among early adolescents at MI Nidhomiyah Jombang. A quantitative research design with a cross-sectional approach was employed with 93 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that 57.0% of respondents were prepared for menarche, while 52.7% held a positive attitude toward menstrual myths. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between readiness for menarche and attitudes toward menstrual myths (p=0.021). Adolescents who were well-prepared demonstrated more rational and positive attitudes, whereas those who were unprepared were more susceptible to internalizing negative myths. These findings suggest that readiness acts as a protective cognitive filter. Therefore, schools and healthcare providers should implement targeted reproductive health education to enhance adolescent readiness and foster critical thinking to debunk persistent menstrual myths effectively.