Investigation of the key factors that influence the girls to enter into child marriage: A meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized findings from qualitative studies to identify the key factors that influence child marriage. We used a meta-ethnographic approach coupled with thematic synthesis. We searched literature from nine databases, which were in English language, covering areas in public health, psychology, and social science between 2008 and 2018. Twelve studies were included in the synthesis. We identified six main themes: human insecurity and conflict; legal issues; family values and circumstances; religious beliefs; individual circumstances, beliefs, and knowledge; and social norms. Our findings highlight the impact of human insecurity and conflict, as well as legal issues. In spite of global progress scaling up legislation against child marriage, the legal framework is insufficiently enforced in many settings. Most of the included studies were from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Studies from other parts of the world such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, which have the highest rates of child marriage, are needed.

Trends in child marriage and new evidence on the selective impact of changes in age-at-marriage laws on early marriage

“…Conversely, looking at a sample of 60 countries, Collin and Talbot (2017) found that – despite increases in legal provisions – most countries do not enforce the proposed laws, and enforcement is not getting better over time. Another recent synthesis from a meta-ethnographic approach reached the similar conclusion that in spite of global progress scaling up legislation against child marriage, the legal framework in many settings is insufficiently enforced ( Kohno et al, 2020 ).…”

“…UNICEF reports a reduction in the global prevalence of child marriage in the last decade, largely driven by prevention and care interventions in South Asia. However, 12 million girls per year still get married before the age of 18 ( Kohno et al, 2020 ; UNICEF, 2019 ). The highest levels of child marriage are found in Sub-Saharan Africa (38 percent), with Niger reporting a prevalence as high as 76 percent, followed by South Asia (30 percent) and Latin America (25 percent) ( UNICEF, 2019 ).…”

Child Marriage and Adolescent Motherhood: A Nationwide Vulnerability for Women in Bangladesh

“…There is a large health and financial burden of child marriage and early maternal age at first birth. Girl-child marriage interrupts the development and wellbeing of women by disrupting or often halting education and future employment opportunities, interpersonal violence, and increased risk of early pregnancy [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Girl-child marriage was found to be a potential reason for early pregnancy, low birth weight of the child, higher child morbidity and mortality [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…The socioeconomic status of women and their household were found to be associated with child marriage in Bangladesh [ 6 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. For example, child marriage was more prevalent in rural areas compared to urban [ 29 ].…”

Perlindungan Perempuan dan Pernikahan di Bawah Umur

“…Di Indonesia, perkawinan anak juga diperparah oleh ada anggapan umum bahwa anak perempuan tidak perlu melanjutkan pendidikan tinggi karena pada akhirnya mereka akan menjadi ibu rumah tangga. Angka pernikahan anak lebih rendah untuk anak perempuan yang yang telah menyelesaikan pendidikan menengah atas atau lebih tinggi yang dibuktikan dalam sebuah studi tahun 2020 menunjukkan bahwa menyelesaikan sekolah menengah dapat melindungi anak perempuan untuk menikah sejak dini di Indonesia 11 .…”