Factors and consequences of early marriage among women in Jumla

Background: In Nepal, child marriage is seen as a significant obstacle to the country's social and economic growth as well as a significant threat to the health of women. Despite a steady decline in this harmful practice over the past decade, child marriage remains widespread, with approximately one in five girls married in childhood across the globe. The objective of the study was to find out the factors and consequences of early marriage among women in Jumla. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of Jumla District where 280 married reproductive age group women were taken as subjects. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data was collected by using semi-structured interview schedule. Analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Study findings showed that majority (77.9%) of the respondents got early marriage. Early marriage was statistically association with educational status at the time of marriage (p=0.000), occupational status (p=0.000), type of marriage ((p=0.014), educational status of father (p=0.009), occupational status of father (p=0.016), parental income (p=0.000), decision making (p=0.003), husband´s education and occupation (p=0.000). Inadequate education (70.7%) and economic resources (83.9%), customs (66.8%) and unemployment (63.2%) are the main reasons of early marriage. Likewise, increasing responsibility (80.7%), lower abdominal pain (67.5%), uterine prolapse (65.4%), early pregnancy (71.1%), unplanned pregnancy (58.9%) and prolonged labor (51.8%) are the main consequences of early marriage. Therefore, it is concluded that more than three fourth of the respondents were married early which lead to many consequences. Conclusion: The study concluded that more than three fourth of the respondents got early marriage. Early marriage had significant association with educational status at the time of marriage, occupational status, type of marriage, occupational status of father, parental income, decision making at time of marriage, husband´s education and occupation. Inadequate education and economic resources, customs and unemployment are the main reasons of early marriage. Likewise, early pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, prolonged labor, lower abdominal pain, uterine prolapse, and increasing responsibility are the main consequences of early marriage. Hence, the efforts have to be made to prevent the early marriage through awareness and various educational programs.