The Relationship between the Age of Menarche and Premarital Sexual Behaviors of Adolescence and Young Adults in Indonesia: Analysis on Survey Data of Indonesian Adolescencets’ Reproductive Health in 2012

Abstract

One crucial period of woman’s development period is when the age of puberty is begun, indicated by menarche. The age of menarche might be related to a certain sexual that one having earlier menarche is potential to do premarital sexual behaviors. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between the age of menarche and premarital sexual behaviors. This research is quantitative research employing secondary data: The Survey of Indonesian Adolescents’ Reproductive Health (SKRRI, Survey Kesehatan Reproduksi Remaja Indonesia) in 2012. The data design hired was the cross sectional survey. Women at the age of 15-24 years-old were chosen as the research population. There were 7,367 samples involved, taken from both urban and rural areas. The dependent variable of this research was the premarital sexual behaviors categorized into non risky behaviors (holding hands) and risky behaviors (kissing, petting, and having sexual intercourse); while the independent variable was the age of menarche. The external variables of this research consisted of age, education, and domicile. This researcher used the univariable analysis, bivariable analysis utilizing the chi-square, and multivariable analysis applying the logistic regression with the confidence level of 95% and value of p = 0.005. The results show that the average age of menarche is thirteen years-old and premarital sexual behaviors are mostly performed by urban women. Based on the results of relationship test, the age of menarche does not have any significant relationship with premarital sexual behaviors. However, there is a significant relationship between premarital sexual behavior with the age and domicile.