Eating Habits and Age at Menarche in Junior High School Female Students in DKI Jakarta Province in 2023

Background: The age at menarche tends to be younger in the last few decades, even though earlier or later menarche can impact physical and psychological health. Nutritional factors, including eating habits, are important and modifiable predictors of menarche age. Objectives: To analyze eating habits’ effect on the menarche age by considering factors of nutritional status, level of physical activity, psychological state, and socioeconomic conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 female students from 15 junior high schools in DKI Jakarta Province in May 2023. Eating habits were measured using the Semi-FFQ questionnaire, while the menarche age and other factors were obtained through interviews, questionnaires, and weight and height measurements. Results: The menarche age ranged from 8.92 years to 14.33 years, with an average of 11.74 years. Respondents tend to consume carbohydrates, fat, protein, sugar, and salt ≥100% RDA. However, 70.7% of respondents have