Page 176 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Path model of child marriage in Africa

indicate that there is a correlation between lower levels of coverage or no data regarding birth registration, while
education among young women and a higher incidence about 60% lacked data on death registration (Yokobori
of child marriage. The prevalence of child marriage is et al., 2021).
greatest among those with the lowest levels of education Due to the small sample size, mean substitution
and contributes to high rates of early school dropout. As or eliminating countries was not a suitable option.
a result, completing secondary education enhances the Furthermore, variance reduction can affect the
educational and earning capabilities of girls, leading to correlations between variables (Tabachnick & Fidell,
improved employment opportunities and productivity 2001). Understanding the significance of the results and
benefits (Rasmussen et al., 2019). model fit indices is essential, especially since 90% of
The correlation between adolescent fertility and child the confidence interval of RMSEA does not fall within
marriage is significantly positive, and it strongly predicts the range of 0 to 0.08. This research investigates the
child marriage (β = 0.38, t = 3.94, p<0.05). Prior studies relationships between socioeconomic and reproductive
have shown that early marriage is closely linked to early factors and child marriage in Africa by employing the
childbearing, particularly in countries where child path model to determine the most accurate predictors
marriage is prevalent (Molitoris et al., 2023). Girls who as a novel approach. Analyzing historical associations
wed before turning 18 have a lower likelihood of having helps identify the socioeconomic and reproductive
control over their sexual decisions when compared to those factors that may require further investigation in future
who marry at 18 years or later. Young girls cannot stop any research.
sexual engagements with their spouses. Furthermore, the
absence of formal education may result in women being 5. Recommendations
unaware of vital information that could help them achieve The research found a strong association between child
sexual independence (Budu et al., 2021). marriage and socioeconomic and reproductive factors,
The correlation between maternal mortality and specifically the economy, literacy among young women,
child marriage is strongly positive (ρ = 0.68, p<0.01) and adolescent fertility, and maternal mortality. Hence,
remained statistically significant following the regression countries with high rates of child marriage need to address
analysis (β = 0.20, t = 2.03, p<0.05), which is consistent the socioeconomic and reproductive aspects associated
with prior studies. Lack of sexual autonomy means a higher with this harmful practice. African nations experiencing
chance of multiple pregnancies within short intervals. a high prevalence of child marriage should implement
Young girls are unaware of or cannot use contraceptives strategies to reduce child marriage and associated factors
for family planning. As a result, girls are at an increased by increasing education and educational opportunities
likelihood of experiencing obstetric complications (Budu among young women in the region; improving economic
et al., 2021; Pourtaheri et al., 2023). Complications such opportunities; and enacting laws and policies that protect
as pre-eclampsia, sepsis, hemorrhage, and exposure to young girls.
HIV infection, HPV, and STIs have led to high death rates Increasing enrollment, retention, and completion of
among young girls (Irani & Roudsari, 2019; Mahato, 2016). school among girls are key interventions to delay marriage
Consequently, girls who marry before turning 18 are at a (Greene et al., 2023). Efforts to improve education involve
higher risk of experiencing early pregnancies, which can expanding the number of schools and their accessibility,
lead to maternal mortality. enhancing the quality of teaching, and offering economic
Given the scarcity of research on socioeconomic and incentives (Rasmussen et al., 2019). Research study
reproductive factors related to child marriage in Africa, shows that child marriage has dropped in Ethiopia and
this study utilized a dataset from the past decade to analyze Rwanda due to the elimination of school tuition, and an
historical associations. The data utilized in the analysis evaluation of a Malawi scholarship program determined
were obtained from various international agencies that the program kept more girls in school (Greene
which are widely regarded as the most reliable sources et al., 2023). Moreover, girls can acquire the skills and
for the variables under investigation. Unfortunately, knowledge necessary for a particular job or occupation
available data vary by country and variable, which can through vocational training (UNFPA & UNICEF, 2023).
impact internal validity (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2001). The An additional year in school leads to a boost in economic
availability of sufficient and reliable health data in Africa output by raising productivity. Furthermore, a higher
is limited, which has hindered the comprehension of rate of high school graduation results in more girls being
health-related challenges (Musa et al., 2023). For instance, employed and a greater percentage of them working in
in Africa, around 40% of the countries had either <50% formal jobs (Rasmussen et al., 2019). Educated girls can

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 168 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.7117