Determinants of child marriage among rural women in the West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2024: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background of the study Child marriage is linked with multiple maternal and child health issues. However, there is insufficient information regarding the factors influencing child marriage among rural women. Objective To identify the determinants of child marriage among rural women of reproductive age women in the West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2024. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 5, 2024. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 711 participants. The SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to determine the determinants of child marriage. Adjusted odd ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of the associations, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of child marriage was 49.6% (95% CI: 0.472-0.524). Being Muslim (AOR=2.104, 95% CI =1.176-3.764), nonformal fathers’ education (AOR=2.633, 95% CI=1.135-6.109), primary level of fathers’ education (AOR=3.326, 95% CI=1.421-7.787); not exposed to media (AOR=1.56, 95% CI=1.033-2.356); living with a relative (AOR=1.592, 95% CI=1.012-2.504); not knowing the legal age of marriage (AOR=2.528, 95% CI=1.593-4.010); marital decision making by girls (AOR=.666, 95% CI=.463-.959), and poor parental wealth status (AOR=4.464, 95% CI=2.795-7.129) were associated with child marriage. Conclusion Almost one in every two women married before 18 in the study area. The determinant factors include religion, fathers’ level of education, exposure to media, living arrangements; awareness of the legal marital age, marriage decision making, and parents’ wealth status. Thus, intervention efforts should focus on these factors to increase the marital age and improve women’s prospects.