Parents’ perception on factors of early marriage among the Urhobos in Delta State of Nigeria

Abstract

Early marriage forces girls into adulthood before they are emotionally and physically matured, and it has harmful effects on their health, educational, economic and social development. In many countries, 18 years is the legal age of marriage and Nigeria has made a constitutional effort to establish same as a minimum age for marriage. This narrative review examined the causes and consequences of early marriage with a view to establish framework to assess the perception on factors among Urhobos in Nigeria. Unpublished stories are appraised alongside news media and published literature to illustrate scenarios that exemplify discussed causes. Several causes of early marriage were noted and gender discrimination, ignorance, and unexpected pregnancy appear salient or are under-discussed. There is evidence that men and women prefer husbands to earn higher wages than wives and females are less ambitious. Although there are public health concerns in the literature, data on perception of parents, especially those in low socioeconomic status, regarding public health is lacking. Critical appraisal posits that early marriage is not only shrouded in legalities, but is also caused by multiple factors. The factors that cause or lead to early marriages need to be identified for each society to appropriately address the associated ramifications. The lack of data on perception of parents suggests that educational intervention needs to start with community needs assessment.

Parental perception of girl-child early marriage amongst the Urhobos in Nigeria

“…In the narrative review preceding this report, the potential causes and consequences of early child marriage have been highlighted. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] The responses affirm that there is significant disagreement on causes of early marriage that boils down to perceptions.…”

“…The lack of data on perception of parents suggests that educational intervention needs to start with community needs assessment". 2 The objective of this study is to investigate the perceptions of parents on concepts as well as causes and consequences of early marriage as a public health problem. It is hoped that this may provide data that could help to change parents" attitude towards practices, customs and traditions against early marriage.…”

Relationship Between Environment and Attitudes with Perception of Adolescents About Early Marriage

“…Undoubtedly, large investments are needed to overcome people's perceptions to enrich the culture of gender roles and women's dependence on men. Early marriage that occurs in Nigeria is caused by gender discrimination, pregnancy before marriage, low socioeconomic status and parental perceptions [23]. The factors that cause early marriage need to be further identified for each community so that it can appropriately cope with the impacts.…”

Parents’ Perception Towards Ending Girls’ Early Marriage in Uyui District, Tabora, Tanzania

“…This statement is supported by Nour ( 2010), who reported that marriage before 18 years has many effects on girls' health, such as the increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases, death during childbirth, obstetric fistulas. Other studies reveal that getting married at a young age leads to psychological problems and suffering because a little girl or boy cannot make rational decisions regarding critical issues, including conflicts (Abdul et al, 2018).…”