Early Marriage Determinants and Implications among Egyptian Women in Gharbia Governorate

Abstract

Background: Early marriage with its harmful effects on women’s health is one of the most important public health issues. Objective: This study was designed to explore the perception and determinants of early marriage and its harmful consequences on females in urban and rural areas of Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months and included 1,293 women from family health facilities in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. A predesigned interview questionnaire was used to collect related data. Results: Of the participants, 36.7% married before the age of 20 years: this phenomenon was significantly more prevalent in rural than in urban areas (45.5% vs. 27.8%, respectively). Significant factors associated with early marriage included low educational level of the females and their parents (p > 0.001(. Conclusion: Early marriage is still practiced in Egypt with misconceptions about the proper age of marriage. This harmful practice might lead to adverse implications on women’s social and psychological aspects and children’s health. Therefore, formulating an integrated approach, including enforcing the law and motivating community stakeholders and health authorities to combat this phenomenon, is necessary.