Project – Effect of early marriage on maternal health
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Early marriage, defined as a formal or informal union before the age of 18, remains a significant social concern in various parts of the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The practice has been associated with various negative consequences for maternal health, as early marriage often leads to early childbearing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescents who marry early are at an increased risk for complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, including obstetric fistulas, preterm birth, and maternal death (WHO, 2021). In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, early marriage is closely linked with high rates of maternal mortality, exacerbating health inequities in these areas (UNICEF, 2020).
The physiological immaturity of adolescents who marry early is a key factor contributing to adverse maternal health outcomes. Young girls under the age of 18 have not fully developed the physical strength necessary to carry a pregnancy to term safely. Studies have shown that girls aged 15 to 19 are twice as likely to die during childbirth compared to women aged 20 to 24 (Patton et al., 2016). The risks of preeclampsia, eclampsia, and obstructed labor are also heightened in this age group, increasing the likelihood of long-term health complications. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has emphasized the need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to mitigate the risks associated with early marriage and childbearing (NICE, 2019).
Psychosocial factors associated with early marriage further contribute to poor maternal health outcomes. Many young girls who marry early lack access to adequate education, healthcare, and social support, which directly influences their health-seeking behaviors. A study conducted in Bangladesh found that adolescent brides are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth because they lack the knowledge or resources to seek timely medical care (Rahman & Banu, 2020). In addition, the power dynamics within early marriages often result in limited decision-making autonomy, particularly regarding reproductive health. This lack of control can hinder their ability to access prenatal care, leading to higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Early marriage can also perpetuate the cycle of poverty and poor health outcomes, particularly for young women who are denied educational opportunities. Girls who marry early are less likely to continue their education, which significantly limits their socioeconomic opportunities. A lack of education is correlated with higher rates of maternal health risks due to limited awareness of proper nutrition, birth control options, and the importance of prenatal care. According to a report by the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), girls who marry early are more likely to have lower birth weights, underdeveloped fetal growth, and an increased likelihood of infant mortality (ICRW, 2018).
On the other hand, several interventions have proven successful in addressing the challenges associated with early marriage and its impact on maternal health. Programs aimed at delaying marriage through education, advocacy, and the provision of health services have shown promising results in reducing maternal health risks. For example, the “Girl Child Education” program in India has significantly contributed to the delay of marriage and childbearing in adolescent girls, leading to improved maternal health outcomes (Reddy et al., 2019). Additionally, promoting women’s empowerment through policy changes, access to contraceptive methods, and community engagement can help reduce the prevalence of early marriage and improve maternal health indicators.
In conclusion, early marriage remains a critical issue that negatively affects maternal health, particularly for adolescents who are physiologically, socially, and economically unprepared for pregnancy and childbirth. To mitigate the adverse outcomes of early marriage, a multifaceted approach involving education, healthcare access, and empowerment programs is essential. Addressing early marriage through both policy and community-based interventions is crucial for ensuring that adolescent girls can reach their full potential without jeopardizing their health and well-being. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities must work collaboratively to end the practice of early marriage and improve maternal health outcomes for all women.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Early marriage is a significant social phenomenon that continues to affect millions of young girls globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Defined as a formal or informal union before the age of 18, early marriage is often directly linked to early childbearing, which poses serious risks to maternal health. Despite global efforts to curb the practice, early marriage remains prevalent, particularly in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America. The consequences of early marriage, especially its impact on maternal health, are dire, contributing to high maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Addressing this issue is critical to improving global maternal health outcomes and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to reduce maternal mortality.
The primary concern with early marriage is that it increases the likelihood of adolescent girls becoming pregnant before they are physically, emotionally, and socially prepared for childbirth. Adolescent girls, particularly those under 18, are at higher risk of complications such as obstructed labor, preeclampsia, and eclampsia due to their physiological immaturity. The risk of maternal death is also significantly higher among adolescent mothers compared to women in their 20s. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19, with early marriage being a significant contributing factor. These risks have long-term health implications, not only for the young mothers but also for their children, who are more likely to suffer from low birth weight and increased mortality rates.
Furthermore, early marriage limits the opportunities for young girls to receive proper education and healthcare, which are essential for reducing the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Girls who marry early are often deprived of education, making them more likely to lack knowledge about reproductive health and family planning methods. This lack of education and awareness contributes to poor maternal health outcomes, as many adolescent brides are unaware of the importance of prenatal care, proper nutrition, and regular health checkups during pregnancy. Additionally, the social and cultural pressures surrounding early marriage often restrict a young girl’s ability to make informed decisions about her health, including seeking medical care during pregnancy.
The socio-economic implications of early marriage further compound the challenges related to maternal health. Early marriage often leads to a lifetime of limited opportunities, particularly in terms of employment, economic independence, and social mobility. As a result, young mothers are more likely to experience poverty, which exacerbates their vulnerability to poor health outcomes. Studies have shown that women who marry early are more likely to experience repeated pregnancies, which puts additional strain on their health and increases the likelihood of complications. Moreover, the intergenerational effects of early marriage mean that children born to adolescent mothers are also at higher risk of poor health outcomes, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and maternal health issues.
Despite the known risks associated with early marriage, the practice persists due to a combination of cultural, economic, and gender-related factors. In many societies, early marriage is seen as a traditional rite of passage and a means of securing the social and economic future of young girls. Additionally, gender inequality, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare services are significant drivers of early marriage. In some cases, families may marry off their daughters early as a way to reduce the financial burden or to protect them from perceived societal dangers. These deeply ingrained social norms make it challenging to address the root causes of early marriage and its negative effects on maternal health.
In light of these concerns, it is essential to examine the intersection of early marriage, maternal health, and socio-economic factors to better understand the problem and design effective interventions. The current global health agenda has increasingly recognized the need to prevent early marriage as a strategy to improve maternal health outcomes. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and context-specific data on the scale of the issue, particularly in marginalized communities. Therefore, further research is needed to assess the impact of early marriage on maternal health in various cultural and geographical contexts, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions aimed at reducing early marriage and improving maternal health.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine Effect of early marriage on maternal health
- To examine the correlation between early marriage and maternal health outcomes.
- To identify the specific health risks faced by young mothers due to early marriage.
- To assess the impact of early marriage on access to healthcare services for maternal health.
- To explore the social and economic factors influencing the relationship between early marriage and maternal health.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What is the correlation between early marriage and maternal health outcomes?
- What specific health risks do young mothers face due to early marriage?
- How does early marriage impact access to healthcare services for maternal health?
- What social and economic factors influence the relationship between early marriage and maternal health?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Early Marriage has no significant impact on maternal health outcomes
H1: Early Marriage has significant impact on maternal health outcomes
1.6. Significance of the Study
Early marriage, defined as marriage before the age of 18, is a prevalent issue in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. This practice has profound implications for the health and well-being of young girls, with maternal health being one of the most critical areas impacted. Understanding the effect of early marriage on maternal health is crucial in designing interventions that aim to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among adolescent girls. Early marriage increases the likelihood of early pregnancies, which often come with higher risks for complications such as preeclampsia, obstructed labor, and postpartum hemorrhage. This study is significant because it sheds light on these risks and contributes to the growing body of evidence calling for stronger policies to protect young girls from premature marriages and its adverse health consequences.
One of the primary reasons why early marriage is detrimental to maternal health is that adolescent girls’ bodies are not fully developed to bear children. During adolescence, the physical and emotional development of girls is still ongoing, and pregnancy at such a young age can cause long-term health problems, including stunted growth, malnutrition, and anemia. Early pregnancies often result in preterm deliveries or low birth weight babies, which can be fatal for both the mother and the child. By investigating the direct correlation between early marriage and maternal health, the study will provide critical insights into how early marriage leads to specific health risks, thus highlighting the importance of delaying marriage until adulthood for better maternal and child health outcomes.
Additionally, early marriage can lead to reduced access to education and healthcare, both of which are significant factors in improving maternal health. Girls who marry early are often forced to leave school, which limits their ability to access health education, financial independence, and social support networks. The study’s significance lies in its potential to influence policy decisions aimed at improving girls’ access to education and healthcare. This, in turn, would empower young women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and delay childbirth until they are physically and mentally ready for motherhood, thus improving maternal health outcomes.
The study is also vital for public health initiatives and interventions targeted at reducing maternal mortality rates. Early marriage is often linked with high rates of maternal deaths due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth. By exploring the effects of early marriage on maternal health, this research could help shape health programs that specifically address the needs of married adolescents. Health interventions that focus on this vulnerable group, such as providing antenatal care, ensuring safe deliveries, and increasing awareness about family planning, could substantially lower the risk of maternal mortality and improve the overall well-being of young mothers.
Furthermore, the findings from this study can contribute to the global conversation surrounding human rights, gender equality, and child protection. Early marriage is a violation of the rights of young girls, and its consequences on maternal health further exacerbate their vulnerability. This research could be instrumental in advocating for the enforcement of laws and policies that prohibit child marriage and promote the rights of girls and women. It can also inform global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, by addressing the root causes of maternal mortality in early marriage.
Lastly, the study’s significance extends to its potential to influence societal norms and cultural practices that perpetuate early marriage. In many cultures, early marriage is seen as a tradition or a necessity for economic reasons. By providing evidence on how early marriage negatively impacts maternal health, the study can help shift societal views and encourage communities to reconsider the practice. Engaging local leaders and communities in the conversation about early marriage and its risks will be a critical step toward long-term cultural change that prioritizes the health and rights of young girls. This research, therefore, holds the potential to contribute to both local and global efforts to end early marriage and improve maternal health outcomes worldwide.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines the effect of early marriage on maternal health. The study is limited to selected Maternal Clinics in Ikorodu, Lagos.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Effect: An effect refers to a change that occurs as a result of a particular action, event, or condition. In the context of a study, an effect is the outcome or consequence that is observed after a specific factor or variable has been introduced or manipulated. For example, the effect of early marriage on maternal health refers to the specific consequences or impacts that early marriage has on the health and well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
Early Marriage: Early marriage refers to the practice of marrying individuals, typically girls, before the age of 18. In many parts of the world, early marriage is a social, cultural, or economic norm that affects young girls, often preventing them from pursuing education and other opportunities. Early marriage can lead to early pregnancies, which may pose risks to the physical and mental health of young girls, as their bodies may not be fully prepared for childbearing.
Maternal Health: Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of mothers, with a particular focus on the prevention and management of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Maternal health is influenced by various factors, including access to healthcare, nutrition, education, and socio-economic conditions. Ensuring maternal health is essential to reduce maternal morbidity (health complications) and mortality (death) rates.
Project – Effect of early marriage on maternal health