Page 55 - GHES-2-3

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

associated with child marriage. Studies by Raj et al. (2014) community-based approaches that prioritize accessibility,
and Nour (2009) emphasize the increased risk of maternal cultural sensitivity, and community involvement. The
mortality, obstructed labor, and obstetric complications Nigerian findings contribute to this global discourse,
among young girls. The findings resonate with the rural emphasizing the universal need for interventions that
Nigerian context, indicating that the challenges faced by navigate socioeconomic barriers and promote equitable
young girls in maternal health are not isolated but part of reproductive health-care services.
a broader global pattern. All the participants agreed that Furthermore, the application of the ecological systems
they experienced one health challenge or the other as a theory to the study highlights the interconnectedness of
result of child marriage.
various systems influencing the health consequences of
Research on the mental health implications of child child marriage. The study’s focus on the Nigerian context
marriage also spans diverse geographical and cultural enriches the global discourse by providing nuanced
contexts. Studies in South Asia, such as the work of Raj insights into the ecological complexities surrounding
et al., (2014) align with the Nigerian findings, highlighting child marriage and its broader implications on women’s
the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among health. The ecological perspective reinforces the need
young girls. The cross-cultural consistency underscores the for multifaceted interventions that consider the intricate
global nature of the mental health challenges faced by these interplay of factors at different systemic levels. Raj et al.
women. Cultural competence and the need for context- (2014) and Nour (2009) highlight parental decisions,
specific interventions are recurring themes in the global economic status, cultural beliefs, and peer relationships as
literature on mental health and child marriage. Bappenas contributing factors to the adverse effects of child marriage,
(2017) argues for a nuanced understanding of cultural emphasizing the family’s role in mental health challenges
factors influencing mental health outcomes, emphasizing the among young girls.
importance of tailoring interventions to the unique cultural
contexts of affected populations. The Nigerian study’s focus 4.1. Relevance of social work practice
on culturally competent social work interventions aligns Child marriage among rural women poses significant
with these broader global recommendations. challenges to their physical, mental, and reproductive
Research on the reproductive health implications health. This study, framed within a social work perspective,
of child marriage resonates with the Nigerian findings, holds profound implications for the field of social work
highlighting the multifaceted challenges young girls face practice in Nigeria. By exploring the health consequences
globally. The study by Raj et al. (2014) emphasizes the of child marriage, with a focus on maternal health, mental
increased risk of adverse birth outcomes and obstetric well-being, and reproductive health, this study contributes
complications among young girls. The global consensus to the evidence base necessary for developing targeted
underscores the urgency of addressing reproductive health interventions and policies that align with the principles of
challenges within the broader context of child marriage. social justice, empowerment, and community engagement.
Our research findings underscore the multifaceted The findings related to maternal health underscore
impact of child marriage on women, encompassing the urgency for social work interventions that address the
adverse outcomes in physical health, mental well-being, unique challenges faced by young girls in rural Nigerian
and reproductive health. This finding aligns with Rahman communities. Maternal mortality rates, inadequate
et al., (2013) assertion that an intersection exists between prenatal care, and vulnerability to infectious diseases are
reproductive health and mental well-being, particularly not merely health issues; they are social issues deeply rooted
evident during pregnancy. According to them, the journey in cultural norms, gender inequalities, and economic
through early pregnancies and childbirth is a pivotal disparities (Kidman, 2016). Social work, as a profession
point where reproductive health and mental well-being committed to social justice, must advocate for maternal
intersect. The physical toll of childbirth, compounded by health as a fundamental human right, emphasizing the
the emotional stressors associated with early pregnancies, need for accessible and culturally sensitive health-care
has a profound impact on the mental health of women. services (Glicken, 2011).
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues often The imperative for social work lies in empowering
emerge as responses to the unique challenges posed during young girls to navigate the complexities of early marriage by
this critical phase. promoting their agency and facilitating informed decision-
The need for community-driven reproductive making regarding their reproductive health. Community-
health clinics finds support in studies from Nepal and based programs, informed by a social work framework, can
Bangladesh (Raj et al., 2014). This study advocates for educate young girls on maternal health, family planning,

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2840