Level of autonomy of adolescent girls on who and when to marry

Abstract

Background: Forced marriage, is rampant in low and middle income countries, such as Ethiopia. It is common place to see that cultural norms and other factors still play a major role in the matrimonial fate of adolescent girls, particularly in the rural areas. According to the EDHS 2016; 61% of ever married women state that their parents made the decision for them to marry; while only 35% state they made the decision themselves. The median age at first marriage is indicated as 17.1 years. Objective: To determine the level of autonomy of adolescent girls on who and when to marry; and identify associated factors (amongst 13 – 17 year olds, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region) Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and based on secondary data from the Abdiboru Project baseline quantitative survey. The study area is West Hararghe Zone and composed of 16 Woreda (administrative areas) and one town. The baseline survey of the original study was conducted in four selected Woreda. The total sample size for this study is 3186. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis is used to determine level of autonomy of adolescent girls, and identify factors associated with the level of autonomy of adolescent girls on who and when to marry. Results: From the total participants of 3186 in the study, the majority believe that adolescent girls should decide who and when to marry, that is, 86% with 95% CI, 84.5% - 86.8%. From the proportion of ever married adolescent girls, 66% stated that it was their decision to marry, with 13% saying they were pressured by family. Strength in association was observed with increase in the level of education of adolescent girls (secondary school), AOR 2.06, 95% CI, 1.05 – 4.04 for adolescent girls should decide who to marry, and AOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.16 -4.48 for adolescent girls should decide when to marry Conclusion & recommendation: Keeping girls in school as much as possible is likely to have positive effect on their level of autonomy in who and when to marry; and curb early marriage. It is commendable to do further studies on level of autonomy of adolescent girls on who and when to marry; and for it to be conducted in different regional contexts in Ethiopia. ......................................... Thesis available at ACIPH Library