In-depth examination of issues surrounding the reasons for child marriage in Kelantan, Malaysia: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine individual, familial, community and societal issues surrounding the reasons for child marriage in Kelantan, Malaysia.DesignQualitative study by means of semistructured interviews with women and key informants, using social-ecological model as a conceptual framework.SettingInterviews were conducted in Kota Bharu district, Kelantan, a northeast state in Peninsular Malaysia.ParticipantsEighteen women of reproductive age (18 to 44 years old) that experienced their first marriage below the age of 18, as well as five key informants, consisting of a government officer, a community leader, an officer from religious department and two mothers. The women were recruited from a reproductive health clinic. The key informants who had specialised knowledge related to child marriage were selectively chosen.ResultsThree themes emerged that aligned with the social-ecological model: immaturity in decision-making, family poverty and religious and cultural norms.ConclusionsThe findings imply that sex education and awareness-building activities regarding the consequences of child marriage must be implemented to eradicate child marriage in Malaysia. Such implementation must be coordinated as a team-based approach involving experts in such fields as law, religion, psychology, social-welfare and public health. In order to increase the awareness of child marriage consequences, the target for awareness must extend not only to the adolescent girls and their families, but also to the community and society at large by clearly communicating the negative consequences of and addressing the drivers for child marriage.

Sexual experiences of girls engaged in child marriage: A review of qualitative

“…Results of the search identified 15 articles. 5,7,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] The articles are from Jordan ( 1 1), Bangladesh (3). In the 15 articles analysed, 5 main themes represent the condition of girls in dealing with marriage on the sexual aspect.…”

“…The exclusion criteria in this study were articles that did not contain research ethics, articles that did not discuss the method in detail, and articles that did not specifically discuss sexual aspects. In this review, five (5) steps are used in the search for literature. The first step is formulation.…”

“…15 Husband and wife relationship in child marriage Forced marriages Forced marriages cause feelings of anxiety and fear in girls in the face of married life. 5,16,[22][23] "I was depressed and cried all the time… How do you think it feels to be forced into a marriage and a life with someone you didn't choose or know?". 23 They felt they did not know the nature and character of the man who was her husband.…”

“…In child marriage, girls do not have the power to make decisions regarding reproductive health. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The life of a girl after marriage is regulated by her husband or mother-in-law so that decisions are made based on the agreement between husband and mother-in-law. 7,11,12 "Early marriage has consequences, take away your rights, your personality is nothing, you are controlled by in-laws.…”

“…Some cases of child marriage occur because of coercion from families, including parents. 5 The marriage that was forcibly carried out on a girl gave rise to an un-harmonious relationship between a girl and her husband. This happens because the daughter has difficulty establishing communication with her husband and understands her new role as a wife.…”