Early puberty linked to poverty – Survey second's it

New Delhi: As per a recent survey, kids who grow up in poorer families are more likely to experience puberty early in life than the usual time.

Researchers from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) in Australia found that boys who grew up in very disadvantaged households had more than four times the risk of starting puberty early, at 10 or 11 years of age, while girls had double the risk.

The factors determining early puberty have received greater attention recently as more kids are starting puberty at an earlier age than past generations.

Researchers surveyed about 3,700 children. Parents were asked to report on signs of children's puberty at age eight to nine and 10 to 11 years.

These signs included a growth spurt, pubic hair and skin changes, plus breast growth and menstruation in girls, and voice deepening and facial hair in boys.

Researchers found that at 10 to 11 years of age, about 19 per cent of boys and 21 per cent of girls were classified in the early puberty group.

Boys from very disadvantaged homes had 4.2 times the risk of developing early and the same factors increased the risk of early puberty for girls, researchers said.

(With ANI inputs)