Page 50 - GHES-2-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Health consequences of child marriage among rural women

Obstetric complications, such as obstructed labor, development of social work interventions that not only
fistula formation, and pregnancy-induced hypertension, address the health consequences of child marriage but
are prevalent among girls who enter marriage before also consider the broader sociocultural and economic
reaching physical maturity. Child marriage often leads factors contributing to its persistence in rural Nigerian
to inadequate pelvis development, increasing the risk communities. To explore the health consequences of child
of obstructed labor and related complications. The marriage, the study is guided by the following specific
vulnerability of young girls to adverse maternal health objectives: (i) to assess the physical health consequences of
outcomes is exacerbated by limited access to healthcare child marriage among rural women, (ii) to investigate the
and skilled birth attendants (Raj et al., 2014). Adverse birth mental health outcomes associated with child marriage,
outcomes, including preterm births, low birth weight, and (iii) to examine the reproductive health implications
and neonatal mortality, are closely associated with child of child marriage.
marriage. In addition, regarding the sense of loss and Child marriage remains a complex social issue with
solitude in child marriage, victims of child marriage may
benefit from forming homophilic relationships to aid in far-reaching consequences for the health and well-being of
women, particularly in the rural communities of Nigeria.
the mental healing process (Vacca et al., 2021). Young girls While several studies have been carried out on child
face heightened risks during pregnancy, resulting in an marriage in different parts of the world, none has focused
increased likelihood of delivering preterm or underweight on its health consequences in rural communities like Etteh
infants. Factors such as maternal malnutrition, inadequate
prenatal care, and limited decision-making autonomy and Enugu-Ezike. Therefore, this study seeks to contribute
contribute to adverse birth outcomes in this demographic to the growing body of knowledge within the social
(Nasrullah et al., 2014). work discipline and beyond, by addressing the dearth of
comprehensive research on the health implications of child
Social work, as a profession rooted in advocacy marriage among rural Nigerian women.
and empowerment, is well-positioned to contribute to
understanding and alleviating the health disparities 1.1. Theoretical framework
arising from child marriage. This study responds to the For a study on child marriage among rural women
call for targeted research in social work to inform practice in Nigerian communities with a focus on health
and policy interventions that address the specific needs consequences, several social work theories and frameworks
of marginalized populations (Salim & Lombard, 2020). can be considered to guide research and interventions.
By shedding light on the health consequences of child One suitable theoretical framework is the ecological
marriage in rural Nigerian communities, this research systems theory, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner in
aligns with the profession’s commitment to social justice the 1970s (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). This theory provides
and the promotion of health equity. a comprehensive lens through which to understand the
The study holds profound significance for the social complex interactions between individuals and their social
work discipline, public health, and broader social environments.
development initiatives. By unraveling the intricate health Child marriage is a multifaceted issue influenced by
consequences of child marriage among rural Nigerian individual, family, community, and societal factors. The
women, the findings contribute to the evidence base ecological systems theory allows for a nuanced exploration
necessary for developing context-specific interventions of how these factors interact and influence outcomes. This
and policies. The unique sociocultural context of Nigeria, theory acknowledges the importance of cultural contexts
characterized by diverse ethnic traditions, necessitates (microsystem and macrosystem) in shaping behaviors
a focused exploration to inform interventions that are and practices. It provides a framework for understanding
culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of the how cultural norms and values influence the prevalence of
affected population. child marriage (Ettekal & Mahoney, 2017). By examining
Moreover, the study’s emphasis on rural areas aligns multiple levels of influence, the theory identifies potential
with the principles of rural social work, recognizing the intervention points. Understanding the microsystemic
distinct challenges faced by individuals residing in these factors, such as family dynamics, community expectations,
settings (Hicks & Murray, 2009). Rural communities and traditional beliefs surrounding child marriage,
often confront barriers to accessing healthcare, education, provides a foundation for developing interventions that
and economic opportunities, exacerbating the health resonate with the cultural nuances. This theoretical
disparities experienced by women who marry early. approach aligns with broader literature advocating for
The insights gained from this research can inform the nuanced and context-specific approaches to address child

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2840