PubMed · 2009 · 250 citations · 3 references
Public HealthChild HealthHealth EducationAdolescent HealthHealth EquityReproductive HealthAdolescent Reproductive HealthChild ProtectionChild RightsMarriageReproductive RightsSexual HealthAdolescent Reproductive Health EducationCervical Cancer PrevalenceChildbearing Among AdolescentsEarly MarriageFinancial TiesResistance To Child MarriageSexually Transmitted Infection TransmissionWell-being
Child marriage, common in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, violates human rights and harms girls’ education, health, and psychological well‑being, raising risks of depression, STIs, cervical cancer, malaria, obstetric fistulas, maternal mortality, and adverse outcomes for offspring. The study seeks to identify effective strategies to reduce child marriage and its health consequences. The authors propose mandating that girls remain in school as a key intervention.
Marriages in which a child under the age of 18 years is involved occur worldwide, but are mainly seen in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. A human rights violation, child marriage directly impacts girls' education, health, psychologic well-being, and the health of their offspring. It increases the risk for depression, sexually transmitted infection, cervical cancer, malaria, obstetric fistulas, and maternal mortality. Their offspring are at an increased risk for premature birth and, subsequently, neonatal or infant death. The tradition, driven by poverty, is perpetuated to ensure girls' financial futures and to reinforce social ties. One of the most effective methods of reducing child marriage and its health consequences is mandating that girls stay in school.
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