Early Marriage Practices and Its Impact on Reproductive Health among Adolescent Girls

Abstract

The study entitled 'Early Marriage and Its Influence on Reproductive Health among Women' has been conducted to examine the prevalence of early marriage and its influence on the reproductive health of women. Specifically, the study focuses on women who were married before the age of 20 in Besishahar Municipality wards no. 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Lamjung District, Nepal, while also exploring the associated socio-economic factors shaping early marriage practices. This study adopted a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a field survey conducted among women who experienced early marriage in the selected wards of Besishahar Municipality, the district headquarters of Lamjung in Gandaki Province. The socio-economic characteristics of respondents were delimited to age, caste, religion, educational status, occupational status, and age at marriage. After data collection, the information was carefully edited, classified, and tabulated using figures and diagrams. Quantitative analysis was carried out using statistical tools such as frequency, mean, and percentage. The findings were interpreted through comparison with national data and relevant literature. The study reveals that early marriage is deeply rooted in the socio-economic and demographic context of the study area. Joint family systems, labor migration of husbands, limited educational attainment, and restricted employment opportunities for women contribute to the persistence of early marriage. Key drivers include lack of awareness about the legal age of marriage, peer and social pressure, educational discontinuation, and economic hardship. The study concludes that comprehensive interventions focusing on girls’ education, community awareness, improved reproductive health services, and women’s economic empowerment are essential to reduce early marriage and enhance women’s overall well-being.