Cynthia Project Final Final - 1

TITLE PAGE
PERCEPTION OF HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF EARLY

MARRIAGE AMONG SENIRO SECONDARY SCHOOL
STUDENTS IN L.G.A IMO STATE
BY
NKUME CYNTHIA NWADI
BD/16/14/78245
A RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE
DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH EDUCATION, SHOOL OF
SCIENCES, ALVAN IKOKU FEDERAL COLLEGE OF
EDUCATION ,OWERRI,IN AFFILIATION WITH THE
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA (UNN)
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BSC.Ed) IN HEALTH
EDUCATION
JUNE, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
Background of the study
Statement of the problem
Purpose of the study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Significance of the study
Scope of the study
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review
Conceptual Framework
Concept of Perception
Concept of Health
Concept of Implication
Concept of Marriage
Concept of Child/ Early marriage
Predisposing Factors to Early Marriage
Causes of Early Marriage
Consequences of Child Marriage in Nigeria

Possible ways of Controlling Early Marriage
Theoretical Framework
Theory of Demographic Transition
BOWEN Family Systems Theory
Health Belief Model
Empirical Studies
Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE: Research Method
Research Design
Area of the Study
Population of the Study
Sample and Sampling Techniques
Instrument for Data Collection
Validity of the instrument
Reliability of the instrument
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR: Data Presentation and Analysis
CHAPTER FIVE: Discussion, Conclusions Recommendations and Summary
Discussion of Findings
Conclusions of the Findings
Recommendations
Implications of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Suggestion for Further Studies
Summary
References
Appendix
APPROVAL PAGE
This is to certify that this project has been read and approved by the school of
Natural science, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, in affliation with
the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
By
Dr.Ibhafidon, Akhere ………………………. …………………………
Project supervisor Signature Date
Dr.Ibhafidon, Akhere ………………………… …………………………

HOD( Health Education) Signature Date
Dr Egbo
………………………… ……………………………
Dean,school of Sciences A.I.F.C.E. Owerri Signature
External examiner ………………………….. …………………………

Signature
Date
DEDICATION
To God Almighty for His love and faithfulness throughout the completion of my
degree program. I also dedicate this work to Mr& Mrs Ugochukwu Okoroafor and Mr
& Mrs Jeremiah Nkume for there prayers
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to God Almighty for his guidance and protection throughout the trial
moments and rigorous academic exercise that I went through in the college.
My sincere gratitude goes to my project supervisor Dr. Ibhafidon, Akhere for creating
in me the interest on the research topic and for the encouragement, suggestions and
constructive criticism I got from him during the supervision process.
My special gratitude goes to Mr& Mrs Ugochukwu Okoroafor and my parents Mr &
Mrs Jeremiah Nkume for their financial, material ,moral and spiritual support
throughout my stay in the institution.
My immense gratitude goes to my siblings and Mr Dickson Nwaji who have
supported me with their word of prayers God bless u all.
I will not forget to acknowledge the effective and important role played by my
erudite lecturers who practically impacted the requisite knowledge in me.
To all my friends who stood by me Jacinta Chijiuba , Chioma Egwuogu, Chioma
Anaele, and Vincent Anyanwu I say God bless u all for your contributions.
I also appreciate all those who have in one way or the other who contributed to this
project.
Finally, I appreciate the authors I borrowed ideas from either directly or indirectly.
To God be the glory
ABSTRAC
The subtle endorsement of child marriage by the senate has brought the
country massive shame and this was done to stop justice from prevailing over
senator Ahmed Sani Yerima who married a 13 year old Egyptian with a lot of fanfare,
a marriage ceremony graced by a number of respectable Nigerians. This issue further
encouraged the menace of child marriage with Poverty leading as the major cause
of early marriage in the rural homes, This is followed closely by unwanted
pregnancy which is inherently seen as a disgrace and as such are married off. Also
ignorance on the part of parents contributes to early marriage with these parents
having little or no education. (www.aljazeera.com)
In Nigeria, a lot of 10-12 year old girls, whose reproductive system is not
ready for intimate activities and childbirth,are forced by their parents into marriage.
They are stopped from going to school, getting an education and are exploited for
serving their husband and giving birth to children. Considering that they are still
children themselves, it is absolutely unacceptable, as it kills their future and entire
life, exposing them to adulthood so early. Most of the girls who are forced into
marriage by their parents are completely banned by their parents from going to
school. Some of them excelled in studies, so it is safe to say that Nigerian bright
young people, who could potentially help develop the country, are shut off and their
potentials are destroyed forever.
Usually, there is a large age gap between a girl and her husband , which can
subject her to domestic violence and psychological abuse, Not even mentioning the
risks that the young girl can meet when she is forced to give birth, the diseases they
can suffer from, and even death of a mother or a child. According to Hornby (2010)
Implication is a possible effect or result of an action or a decision. Child marriage
were common throughout human history (United Nations Population Fund, 2012).
Today child marriage are still fairly widespread in some developing areas of the
world such as Africa. Before modern history, child marriage was common practice
and found everywhere in the world but with the advent of 20 th century, the practice
began to be questioned, discouraged by a majority but not all governments. For the
first time in June 2017, The World Bank and the International center for research on
women (ICRW) calculated the costs of child marriage. We now have evidence that
child marriage doesn’t only affects the lives of million girls, but also has a huge
impact on the economy. This new evidence could be a game- changer for civil society
advocates and policy-makers alike. It provides us with a credit tool to show that
ending child marriage is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do
if we want to see increased economic development.
Child marriage which is also referred to as early marriage is an ancient
tradition and can be defined as any marriage that occurs when the girl is not
physically, mentally or physiologically ready to bear the pressure of marriage and
child bearing, (Alabi, Bahah Hal, 2014) Scholars have emphasized that the human
right of the girl- child is being violated through early marriage as, international
bodies recognize 18 years as the legal age of marriage (UNICEF Innocentia Research
Centre 2012) In furtherance to this, Adebambo (2010) highlights that child marriages
are most time carried out without the valid consent of one or two of the parties.
Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the health implications of early
marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu LGA, Imo states
Statement of the problem

Child marriage is a health issue as well as a human right violation. According
to Babatunde (2013), child marriage is an appalling violation of human right and robs
girls of their education, health and long term prospects. Early marriage take place
within the context of poverty, ignorance and gender inequality. Girls are viewed as
economic burden on the family and so are given out early in marriage. The causes
and consequences of early marriage are intrinsically linked including girl’s lack of
autonomy and low level of education, poor health status, poverty and overall socio-
economic status (UNFPA, 2010). United Nations Children Education Fund (2018)
stated that girls who marry early often abandon formal education and become
pregnant. Isiguzo (2013) pointed out that Nigeria has more than 800,000 vesico
vaginal fistula cases, highest in the world all resulting from child marriage which also
contribute to high maternal deaths. Early marriage deprives a girl of her
adolescence, and the loss of adolescence, the forced sexual relations and the denial
of freedom of personal development attendant on early marriage have profound
psychological and emotional consequences (UNICEF(2010). The blame able factors
include the government, human right agencies who more or less display laissez-faire
attitude towards this problem. Other blame able factors are perverted elderly men
who seek for child brides, the Islamic law that encourages child marriage and
ignorant parents who jeopardize their child future indefinitely because of money.
Early marriage has numerous negative effects on child, society, family and the
nation as a whole but still it is practiced. Despite nearly universal condemnation, this
harmful traditional practice still thrives and according to UNFPA (2016), if nothing
changes, another 100 million girls will be married within the decade. This has thus
necessitated this study.
Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to determine the perception of health
implications of early marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu LGA
Imo State. Specifically, the purposes of the study are;
1. To determine the perception of physical health implications of early
marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu LAG Imo State.
2. To determine the perception of social health implications of early marriage
among senior secondary school students in Isu LAG Imo State.
3. To determine the perception of emotional health implications of early
marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu LAG Imo State.
4. To determine the perception of mental health implications of early marriage
among senior secondary school students in Isu LAG Imo State.
5. To determine the difference in perception of implications of early marriage
among senior secondary school students in Isu LAG Imo State based on level
of education of parents among senior secondary school students in Isu LGA
Imo State
Significance of the study

Perceptions vary from age to age . what might be true today may not be true
tomorrow. Hence basic information regarding early marriage is very important to
learn and researching the perceptions of these students will give a clue as to how
much more they need to know about early marriage and it’s consequences.
Therefore, the result of the study will be of importance in the following ways:
❖ The finding of the study will enable health educators to provide guidance and
counseling to youths on the consequences of early marriage and also will be
beneficial to curriculum planners who will include marriage concept into the
school curriculum for easy and faster circulation of the knowledge to
students.
❖ It will also motivate the government and legislature towards ensuring that
policies and laws protecting child rights are adhered to, and also help non-
government agencies towards organizing intervention programme through
seminar, workshops, conferences, health counseling sessions which will
enlighten the society on the issues of early marriage and The finding of the
study will also help to enlighten parents on the need for parental support in
their children’s education regardless of gender.
❖ The result of the study will further help other research who wants to research
more on this work to get the baseline data that could be used for further
research.
Research Questions
In order to find answers to the objective of this study, the researcher
formulated the following research questions.
1. What is the perception of the physical health implications of the early
marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu Local Government
Area, Imo State?
2. What is the perception of the social health implications of early marriage
among senior secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area, Imo
State?
3. What is the perception of the emotional health implications of early marriage
State?
4. What is the perception of the mental health implications of early marriage
State?
5. What is the difference in perception of implications of early marriage among
senior secondary school students in Isu LAG Imo State based on level of
education of parents among senior secondary school students in Isu LGA Imo
State?
Hypotheses
1. There is no significant difference in perception of physical health implications
of early marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu Local Government
Area, Imo state.
2. There is no significant difference in perception of social health implications of
early marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu Local
Government Area, Imo state.
3. There is no significant difference in perception of emotional health
implications of early marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu
Local Government Area, Imo state.
4. There is no significant difference in perception of mental health implications
early marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu Local
Government Area, Imo State.
5. There is no significant difference in perception of implications of early
marriage based on level of education of parents among senior secondary
school students in Isu Government Area Imo State.
Scope of the study
The study will be delimited to perception of health implications of early

marriage among senior secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area,
Imo State. The study will be delimited to early marriage, predisposing factors and
consequence/implications of early marriage. This study centers on the girl child as
they are the overwhelming majority affected and it will be delimited to four schools
which adequately covers the local government using the senior secondary students
as they are in a better position to supply unbiased and more reliable information. It
will also be delimited to independent variables of physical, social, emotional, mental
implications of early marriage and educational level of the parents. It will finally be
delimited to use of four point likert scale questionnaire because it provides the
easiest way of assembling a great deal of information, as well as frequency counts
and percentage and inferential statistical of chi-square at 0.05 level of significance.
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
This chapter will review the related literature relevant to the study and in line
with the objective and research questions. The literature will be reviewed under the
following headings.
Concept of Health
Concept of Marriage
Concept of Child/ Early Marriage
Predisposing Factors to Early Marriage
Consequences of Child Marriage In Nigeria
Possible ways of Controlling Early Marriage
Theoretical Frameworks
Theory of Demographic Transition
BOWEN Family Systems Theory
Health Belief Model
Empirical Studies
Summary of Literature Review

Perception (from the word perceptio, percipio) is organization, identification
and interpretation of sensory information in order to represent and understand the
environment (Schater & Daniel, 2011). Perception is the conscious reception,
selection, processing and interpretation of information by our brain via all senses.
Perception is also used to describe what is perceived.
Perception is a key component of several theoretical framework used in
nursing research. A well-known conceptual structure for understanding what drives
persons’ health decision is the health belief model (Dad dario, 2010).
Perception is understand as a process in which an individuals becomes aware and
interpret its environment. It is show through sensory stimuli that individuals select,
organize and interpret to have a general image of the world( Mc Donald, 2012).
Concept of Health
The world health organization (WHO) defined health as a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being of an individual, not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity. They assert that physical and mental well-being is a human right,
enabling of life without limitation or restriction.
According Merriam Webster dictionary health is the condition of being sound in

body, mind or spirit, it is also a condition in which someone or something thriving or
doing well.
Huber et al (2011) defined health as the ability to adapt and to self-manage, in
the face of social, physical and emotional challenges.
Within the last few decades, the WHO definition of health has been increasingly
amended and supplemented by the fourth dimension, spiritual health. Generally

speaking spiritual health involves a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with out own
lives, system of values, self confidence and self esteem, self awareness and presence,
peacefulness and tranquility with dynamic emotional balance, both internal and
toward the environment, morality and truthfulness, selflessness, and support others,
compassion and willingness to help and support others, responsibility and
contribution to the common good and successful management of every life problem
and demands as well as social stress Donev, D (2014).
Health is necessary for productivity and to fully enjoy life. Health is relative and has
situational , professional and ever societal definitions. For example, to an athlete,
health may mean being physically fit so as to complete a 5000m race. For an
employer forced to miss work due to a boost influenza, health may mean being able to
return to work. In contrast to physical health, a person in an unhappy relationship may
be concerned about there mental health.
An implication is something that is suggested, or happens indirectly. Implications
are also effects or consequences that may happen in the future. According to Rundel
(2014) implication means a possible effect or result. Also, Webster (2010) defines
implication as the relationship between two propositions such that the second is not
false when the first is true. It suggests a likely relationship.
Concept of Marriage
Historically and across culture, marriage has been the institution at unites a
man and a wife to be a father and a mother to any children their union produces,
providing their offspring with distinctive contributions of parental and maternal care
and influence, (Anderson, 2013).
Marriage is one of the most ancient, important, universal and indispensable
social institution which has been marriage is designed to satisfy the biological needs
especially the sexual needs of individual in a legal, customary, culturally defined and
social approved man unilateral descent rule cognitive non-lineal. It’s also admits men
and women to family life and frees certain rights and duties in respect of children
born of their union. According to Encylopedia Britamica, Marriage is a physical, legal
and moral union between man and woman in complete community life for the
establishment of a family.
Although the definition of marriage varies according to different culture, It is
principally an institution in which interpersonal relationship usually intimate and sex
are acknowledged. It gives social recognition and makes the society accept the
relationship of a boy and girl as husband and wife and also regulates the term upon
which male and female reproduce according to well defined and acceptable norms.
Kalu (2013) believes that marriage holds two people together, not only emotionally
but also physical. Many believe that an exemplary marriage is characterized by the
mutual understanding and respect the couple has for each other and this normally
happens when the couples have entered into marriage willingly and without the
influence of the third party.
The American concept of marriage foundation has been a foundation for
human civilization for centuries likewise, forty-one American state revere matrimony
laws of Moses between man and woman. However, the concept of marriage for
American is under review by the united states supreme court. Many religious
organizations believe marriage should only be recognized between a man and woman,
Adam (2013).
Concept of Child/Early Marriage
Child marriage is marriage in which one or both spouses are under 18 years
old. Although this definitions sound straightforward, the realities of child marriage
can be complicated. Both the words “Child” and “Marriage” are sometime
interpreted differently. The internationally recognized definition of a child established

by the convention of the Rights of the child , one of the most universally endorsed and
widely ratified treaties in history is “every human being below the age of 18 years”
this is also the legal definition used in most parts of the world.
The Oxford dictionary describes a child as a young human being below the
age of puberty or below the legal age of maturity (2018).
Child marriage violates children’s rights and places them at high risk of violence,
exploitation and abuse, UNICEF (2010) the betrothal of female children to adult,
males is still a regular phenomenon among the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group who
occupy the northern part of Nigeria and, to a lesser extent, is prevalent also in other
parts of the country. In northern Nigeria, child marriage is a traditional cultural
practice which is heavily influenced by Islam, a religion which historically has been
practised in the region and which continues to be practised. Due to pressure exerted
on the children to marry young in northern Nigeria, 48% of Hausa-Fulani girls are
married by age 15, and 78% are married by age of 18, (UNPF 2013).
According Erulkar and Muthengi (2014) Child marriage is advantageous to poor
families in rural locations. To buttress their argument, the authors state that the
betrothal of girls at young age relieves parents of the costs and responsibilities of
raising a girl. Erulkar and Muthengi’s assertion is supported by Otoo-Oyortey and
Pobi, (2013) who maintain globally, poverty is a major cause, as well as a
consequence of early marriage for many young girls under the age of 18. In many
traditional settings, poor families use the early marriage of daughters as a strategy for
reducing their own economic vulnerability, Shifting the economic burden related to a
daughter’s care to the husband’s family.
In a study conducted by Karlyn et al (2012) on early marriage in Northern
Nigeria, it was revealed that the early marriage of children is contributor to the spread
of HIV/ADIS.
In 2010, Ahmad Yerima married the daughter of his chauffeur, a 13 year old
Egyptian girl, after allegedly paying dowry of $100,000. Although the marriage
created an uproar as it was in contravention of section 21 of the CRA, Yerima
justified the marriage on religious grounds.
Prophet Muhammed (SAW) married Aisha at the age of 9 nine. Therefore, any
Muslim who marries a girl of nine year and above is following the teaching and
practices of prophet Muhammed (SAW). If there is anybody who will tell me what
you did contradicts Islam, I will say I will submit, and I will do whatever they ask me
to do.
According to Tardzer (2012) although Ahmad Yerima’s conduct seemed
reprehensible, there was nothing anyone could do about his marriage to the child.
Early marriage is defined by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCEF 2015)
as a formal marriage or informal union entered into by an individual before
reaching the age of 18 years. World Health Organization (WHO 2015) adds that at
this period, the girls have contracted a permanent sexual relationship. Early marriage
is observed for both boys and girls , the overwhelming majority of those affected by
practice are girls.
Predisposing Factor to Early marriage
Throughout the world, marriage is regarded as a moment of celebration and a
milestone on adult life. Sadly, the practice of early marriage gives no cause for such
celebration as such marriage are driven by poverty, cultural traditions, laws that allow
child marriage, religious and social pressures, fear of remaining unmarried, illiteracy,
importance placed on female virginity and much more. Major factors as identified by
UNICEF(2015), UNFPA (2015), Nour (2016), Onuzulike (2016) , UNICEF
Innocentia Research Centre (20018) and FORWARD (2013) include poverty and
notions of morality.
Poverty and Economic Transaction
Poverty plays a central role in perpetuating early marriage. According to
FORWARD, poverty is a critical factor contributing to early marriage and common
reason why parents may encourage a child to marry. Where poverty is acute, a young
girl may be regarded as an economic burden and her marriage to a much older man.
Sometime even elderly man is believed to benefit the child and her family both
financially and socially. In context of poverty , the practice of paying bride
encourages early marriage. Young girls, a resource with which their parents can attain
greater wealth, are married off at a young age for the bride price and also as a way for
parents to lessen their economic burdens.
In communities where child/early marriage is practiced, marriage is regarded
as a transaction, often representing a significant economic activity for the family.
Onuzulike (2014) reported that sometime, young girls are forced to marry adult men
as a means of paying debts which their parents are owing. Some parents are so poor
that they cannot afford to pay for the education of their children and in such cases,
boys are given preference since they will preserve the family lineage and girls are
married off to provide money for the education of the boys. UNICEF Innocentia
Research Centre (2018) maintained that poverty is one major factor underpinning
early marriage and in Nigeria, economic hardship is encouraging a rise in early
marriage, even among some population groups that do not normally practice it.
Notions of Morality and Honour
Dominant notions of morality and honour are important factors encouraging
the practice of early marriage. These are influenced by the important placed on
maintaining “Family honour and the high value placed on a girl’s virginity” It is
considered that shame would be cast on a family if girl was not a virgin when she
marries. Therefore to ensure that a girl’s virtue remains intact, girls may be married
earlier in order to ensure their virginity. Young girls may also encouraged to marry
older men due to the perception that older husband will be able to act as a guardian
against behavior deemed immoral and inappropriate (UNICEF Innocentia Research,
2018). Population Council (2012) also cited other underlying factors that can
perpetuate early marriage to include traditional gender norms and desire to secure
social, economic or political alliances. UNICEF has argued that other factors that
influence early marriage rates include: the sate of country’s civil registration system.
In Nigeria a lot of 10-12 years old girls, whose reproductive system is ready
for intimate activities and child birth yet , are forced by their parents into marriage,
(Child Rights 2013). The main causes of early marriage are:
❖ Poverty in the Country
Most of the young age marriages happen in the poorer areas, mainly rural
ones. We know that Nigeria is a poor country, and most people who live in the
rural areas are struggling to survive. most parents who earn very little to
maintain normal lives and support a young daughter choose to force her into
marriage. Girls suffer from it because they often get married against their will
at the age of 10 or even younger.
❖ Gender inequality
Even if in the urbanized areas with progressive views gender inequality is much less
of a problem, there are still rural areas with ancient beliefs. Often, people are
convinced that the boy child is a good luck, while the girl child is not, and she
can only be used as a future bride.

❖ Cultural traditions
Beliefs in different communities can vary. Some of them are based on old
religious traditions, and the communities and unwilling to change their
lifestyle. As result of these beliefs, children are getting married really early.
❖ Education
The lack of proper education is another reason why the people get their children
married at a young age. Many people do not have a proper idea about the post-
marriage life the child will have to face and the child birth complications. Also
due to the lack of education people tend to hold onto many unhealthy
traditional beliefs.
❖ Insecurity
Since the female harassment rate keeps growing many people are concerned about the
future of their daughter. Before she becomes an adult they arrange her a
marriage with someone much older than her, believing that they are giving her
into safe hands and insuring her a trouble free future.
❖ Family alliances
Marriage is a union between two families and some parents lure their girl child
into marriage in order to consolidate family alliances. Some marriage are seen as a
means of strengthening the relationship between families or settling disputes in some
cases the children are betrothed even before birth.
❖ Kidnapping
The rising case of insecurity in Africa, particularly Nigeria has seen the rise of
kidnapping and other criminal vices this has seen young girls kidnapped on their way
to school or at school premises and thereafter forced into marriage by their captives.
The case of abduction and eventual forceful marriage and impregnation of some of
the Chibok girls in the northern part of Nigeria is a typical example of this.
❖ Control of Unintended pregnancy
Most societies frown upon pregnancy prior to marriage . As such, most
families seek to marry off their girls child before they get pregnant outside marriage.
A report by UNICEF established that unmarried girls are married off too early to
avoid dishonoring the family.
❖ Limited or no access to health information services
This is a serious contributory factor to continuous practice of early girl-child
marriage. This is because parents who engage in this practice are not fully abreast
with the consequences of early girl-child marriage on their daughter. These include
confinement to household role, sexual abuse, discontinuation of education, exposure
to maternal death, vesico - vaginal fistula (VVF) and sexually transmitted diseases.
According to a report by WHO(2018) adolescent mothers aged between 10 to 19 have
higher likelihood of experiencing eclampsia, systemic infections as well as puerperal
endometritis when compared to older mothers.
❖ Ignorance
One of significant causes of early girl-child marriage is ignorance on the part of
the parents’ ignorance in the sense that some parents have the opinion that their
daughters are safer when they are married off early so as to prevent sexual attack and
violence.
Consequences of Early marriage in Nigeria

Early marriage is a global issue that disproportionately affects girls. When a
girlis married at an early age her chance to learn, grow and realize her full potential
are diminished.
❖ Maternal health
Child marriage encourage sexual activity among girls who are not yet physically or
psychologically ready to deal with child birth. In addition , girls who marry young
often live in rural or remote communities with limited access to sexual and
reproductive health education, including access to contraceptive. Child bride are also
more vulnerable to other pregnancy related injuries such as obstetric fistula, which
can have devastating long - term consequences, especially if left untreated.
❖ Infant mortality
Pregnancy at a young age not only has potentially deviating effects for mothers but
also for their newborns. According to Girls not brides (2019) Stillbirths and newborn
deaths are 50% higher in mothers younger than 20 years old. In low and middle
income countries, babies born to mother under 20 years of age also face higher risks
of low birthweight, preterm delivery and sever neonatal conditions.
❖ Domestic Violence
When it comes to child marriage, parents often believe they are doing what is best
for their daughters by marrying them off early, believing that their new husband will
provide safety and economic security. However, the girls who marry before the age of
15 are more likely to have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner than
girls who married after 18.
❖ HIV/AIDS
Child marriage can increase the risk of girls becoming infected with HIV. Firstly,
child brides often live in remote regions where access to health care and information
about sexual service and rights may be limited. Furthermore, girls are sometimes
married off to older men who will have already had and may continue to have
numerous sexual partners which can also increase risk, especially in regions where the
virus in more prevalent.
❖ Illiteracy
Once the girl gets married, the parents stop educating her, believing that she does not
need education once she is a wife. This increases the rate of illiteracy among
Nigerians and kills so many bright people’s potential. Who knows, maybe they could
have played the crucial role in the life of Nigeria. If only they got a proper education?
Possible Ways of Controlling Early Marriage
Ways of controlling early marriage include:
❖ Educate Girls
According to UNICEF, One in three girls in low to middle income countries will
marry before the age of 18. A girls who marries as a child will likely come from a
community where education for girls is not valued. She will more than likely be
illiterate and will have little or no understanding of human rights. Girls having access
to both primary and secondary education will improve their chances to employment
and a means of supporting themselves and then in turn their families.
❖ Mobilize religious leaders and Community elders
Religious leaders and community elders nearly always men are the decision
makers in communities where early or child marriage is prevalent. Engaging and
educating these powerful men is key to changing the attitude of a community on
childhood marriage.
❖ Support Adolescent girls who are already married
Although the focus is on communities preventing child marriage, young girls
who have already married also need support. As well as being isolated and having
loss chance to complete or continue their education , child marriage can put young
girls at a higher risk of violence in the home .
❖ Provide relevant economic support
Inter-generational poverty is often the most prevalent reason cited for forcing
girls into marriage . Families may know about the harmful effects of child marriage
but may be forced to marry off their daughters as the dowry. Payment from the
marriage of an older might be essential to ensure the survival of younger children.
Providing economic support to families may be a way of helping parents who do not
want their daughters to get marriage early.
❖ Authorities paying attention
The problem should be frequently reported to the authorities who can punish
people exploiting children. Maybe all the cases will not be prevented , but if at least
some will , this is a victory.
May girls dream of becoming amazing professional and their dreams are just crashed
when they are forcefully married to some man they barely know, they have no
education, no good health care provision, no skill of socializing. Female education has
to be support and funded by the Nigeria government, and the problem of early or child
marriage need to resolved, at least in small step.

❖ Awareness Creation
Government should conduct awareness raising through the mass media of the
extent of early marriage, the human right abuse and the health consequences it
constitutes. Government and non-government agencies should engage communities
through public campaigns to promote the right of a child and discourage early
marriage. Health educators should raise awareness of parents, community leader and
policy makers about the consequences of early marriage.
Theoretical Framework
A theory is defined by Boma, Snyder and Cozier(2010) as a supporting system
of idea that is proposed to explain a given phenomena. A theoretical framework is a
structure that identifies the major elements, variables or constructs that organizes the
researcher’s scholarship. It is used to hypothesize, understand or give meaning to the
relationship among the elements that influence, affect or predict the events or
outcomes the researcher specifies.
With respect to the causes of early marriage and it’s remedial actions, there are
various theories proposed focusing on early marriage . The theories are organized
around postponing marriage and fertility. They include:
◆ Theory of demographic transition
◆ Bowen family system theory
◆ Health Belief model
Theory of demographic transition

Early marriage initiation into both conjugal union and parenthood, and the
consequences to mothers and children have been a source of concern in Nigeria.
According to the theory of demographic transition marriage and child bearing can be
postponed when women join the labour force and receive an education beyond that
needed for household management. The theory of demographic transition which has
governed population policies the since the 1980s, assume that societies eventually
abandon the strategy of high fertility when mortality declines due to health
improvements and under the pressure of urbanization and modernization(Caldwell,
1992). The extended family begins to break up into nuclear component and some
couples leave for the towns, individual wage labour replaces family based
production. In these circumstances, marriage and childbearing may be postponed.
Early marriage threatens the development of countries and this practice stands
in the direct conflict with the objectives of the Millennium Development
Goals(MDGS) such as promotion of basic education, reduction in maternal mortality
and eradication of poverty.
Bowen Family System Theory
Bowen family system theory is a theory of human behaviour that views the
family as an emotion unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex
interactions in the family. It is the nature of a family that its members are intensely
connected emotionally. Family members so profoundly affect each thoughts, feelings
and actions that it often seems as if people are living under the same ‘emotional skin’.
People solicit each others attention, approval and support and react to each other
needs, expectations and distress. The connectedness and reactivity make the
functioning of family members interdependent. A change in one person’s functioning
is predictably followed by reciprocal changes in the functioning of others. Heightened
tension, however can intensify these processes that promote unity and teamwork and
thus can lead to problems. As anxiety goes up, the emotional connectedness of family
members becomes more stressful that comforting. Recalling that in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights , the United Nation has proclaimed that childhood is
entitled to special care and assistance. Convinced that the family, as the fundamental
group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its
members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and
assistance so that they can be fully prepared to live responsibly within the community
and society. In Bowen’s theory , the nuclear family is seen as the most basic unit in a
society and views the family as an emotional unit and when children are whisked off
as in early marriage , there is bound to be heightened tension which can intensify the
process the promote unity and teamwork and thus can lead to problems.
Health Belief Model
The health belief model (HBM) is a psychological model or theory that
attempts to explain and predict health behaviours. This is done by focusing on the
attitudes and beliefs of people HBM has been depleted to explore a variety of long
and short term health behaviours including sexual risk behaviours and transmission of
HIV. HBM is based on the assumptions that an individual will take a health related
action example, use of condoms of he/she can be avoided; that a person has a positive
expectation that by taking a recommended action he/she will avoid a negative health
condition i.e use of condoms will be affective at preventing STIs; that a person
believes that he/she can successfully take to recommended health action that is, he/she
can use condoms with confidence.
Empirical Studies
Many practices has been carried out on the knowledge of perception of health
implications of early marriage
Several empirical studies have been carried out to identify the health risk
associated with early marriage in Nigeria and other developing countries with the
ultimate objective of prescribing measures to control it . Several studies indicate that
early marriage makes young wives extremely vulnerable to physical. Sexual,
psychological and economic abuse(UNICEF 2015, ICRW 2016 & IPPF 2017). Much
of the literature acknowledge the dis-empowering effects of marriage for young girls
that is, girls who are married young often lack status and power within their marriages
and households, and so are more likely to experience domestic violence, sexual abuse,
and isolation from family and community (UNICEF, 2015). Because early marriage
limits young married girl’s skill, resources, knowledge, social support, mobility, and
autonomy, they often have a little power in relation to their husband or their
husband’s family ( Ossy 2019). For example, girls who married before age 18
consistently report being less able to talk to their husbands about when to use
contraception , when to have children , and how many children to have (Mac Quarrie
& Das Gupta, 2015).
Practice was carried out by Alhassan(2013), the researcher investigated the
influence of the literacy parents as a determinant for early marriage (Northern Region
of Ghana), he used a total of 400 girls, the instrument raised was essay script
draw .Study was guided by five research question, the research finding revealed that
parental education plays an important role in some parts of the Ghana and parts of
Africa especially in enrollment and attendance of the girl child but not in the Northern
Region of Ghana. According to the study, one of the household heads who have never
been to school said “my inability to go to school does negatively affect my girls’
marriage. I sometimes do not see the need to educate the girl child, I prefer her to
settle with a man early so that my financial responsibilities will be shifted to her
husband”.
Another study was carried out by Agege E.A, etal (2018), they investigated the
legalities of child marriage and implications on health (delta state). the researchers
conducted their study using 240 senior secondary students in Sapele Local
Government Area of Delta State. The sample used was essay scrip. Study was
guided by five research questions, the research finding revealed that
1. Women who had married as children had suffered from mental disorders.
2. Early marriage causes this children to have mood and anxiety disorders.
3. Early marriage also lead to depression, disorders.
Recommendations was also made to, by providing centers for these women who
are mentally disposed. Also educating the girl child on the disadvantages of early
marriage.
Summary of Literature Reviewed
This chapter reviewed literature on conceptual, theoretical and empirical
literature on perception of health implications of early marriage among secondary
school students. Perception is the organization, identification and interpretation of
sensory information in order to represent and understand the environment. Perception
leads to decision making, action taking and guides human behavior. Marriage on the
other hand is the institution that unites a man and a women together as husband and
wife to be father and mother to any children their union produces, providing their
offspring with distinctive contributions of prenatal and maternal care influence.
Literature indicates that many marriages occur too early and is termed early marriage.
Early marriage is defined as any marriage carried out below the age of 18 years,
before the girl is physically, psychologically and physiologically ready to shoulder the
responsibilities of marriage and child bearing. Predisposing factors to early marriage
are driven by poverty, deeply embedded cultural traditions, laws that allow child
marriage, religious and social pressures, fear of remaining unmarried, illiteracy and
much more. Implications and ways to controlling early marriage were also
highlighted.
The theoretical framework reviewed theories propounded by experts which
included the theory of ‘demographic transition’, the Bowen family system theory and
Health Belief Model (HBM). The empirical literature reviewed studies of some
authors were reviewed on perception of health implications of early marriage. In all,
there is need to address the imposition of marriage on children or adolescents who are
in no way ready for married life as it deprives them of freedom, opportunities for
personal development , health and well being, education and participation in civic life.
CHAPTER THREE
Research Method
Research Design
The design that will be used for the study is descriptive survey design. This
design provides information that is not readily available and such information can
come from the people directly ensuring accuracy. This design is adopted for the study
because information is easily accessed and it also saves time.
Area of Study
The area of study was Isu Local Government Area of Imo State with its
headquarter in the town of Umundugba. Other communities are Amandugba, Uburu
Ekwe, Ekwe, Isunjaba, Amurie Omanze, Ebenato Ekwe and Oboro Amurie. (The
place Ekwe is located in the southern part of the local government area with a natural
boundary caused by Njaba River). Isu local government is one of the 27 local
governments in Imo State. It was created in 1981. In 1984, Isu LGA as an entity was
revoked and it fell back to Nkwere/Isu LGA until in 1988 during major General
Ibrahim Babangida’s regime that it finally got full approval as a local government
area with Hon. Gogo Lemchi as its first executive chairman.
Isu LGA approximately occupies a land area of about 989.38 square
kilometers. It is bounded in the east by Nkwere Local Government Area, on the west
by Mbaitolu Local Government Area, on the south by Nwangele Local Government
Area and on the south-west by Isiala Mbano Local Government Area. It is currently
made up of thirteen autonomous communities and has an estimated population of
about 164,328 persons.
Some communities like Amandugba and neighbouring Umundugba have
suffered from an unreliable water supply from streams and brooks that often dry up
and sources of diseases such as cholera, tape worm, diarrhoea, dysentery, guinea
worm and night blindness. A recent project by Africa We Care, a charity
organization has started to develop a bore-hole supply of water.
The Isu people are subgroup of Igbo people of south-east Nigeria. In the pre-
colonial era, the Igbo people were protected from external invasion by dense forests
of the, which also had the effect of encouraging diversity. The population of Isu LGA
is high which has led to intensified pressure on land, forests leading to increased rural
poverty which is a characteristic of densely population areas.
The people of Isu are mostly subsistence farmers and traders. Their
agricultural produce such as cassava, palm kernel, yams, cocoyam’s, maize, green
vegetable, fruits and animals/birds are sold at Nkwo Ihite or any other market on the
appointed market day.
Notwithstanding the various modern means of communication such as the
internet, radio, newspapers, posters etc, the traditional patterns of communication are
still in use to a large extent and they include Ekwe, Ikoro, smoke signals, open
market, Age grade meetings, palm fronds , the town crier etc.
The study is most appropriate in the area because of increased poverty level
which is a contributory factor to early marriage.
Population of the study
The population of the study will consists of all the senior secondary school
students in Isu local government area which is a total of 31725 students.
Sample and Sampling Technique

The sample size for the study will consist of 419 students which is the 5%of
the population from the senior classes in four randomly selected secondary schools.
The researcher will use multi-stage sampling technique.
In the first stage sample random sampling technique of the balloting without
replacement will be used to select the 4 secondary schools out of all the secondary
schools in the Local Government Area (Table two).
In the second stage, in each of the schools, three streams will be selected SS1,
SS2 and SS3. In the third stage, classes will be selected using simple random
sampling SS1A&B, SS2A&C and SS3B & D.
In the fourth stage three stratified sampling technique will be used to determine the
number of students to be selected from each of the schools and will be carried out as
follows.
The total number of senior secondary school students from the selected
schools is 8374. The next step is to determine desired sample size using percentage.
So let the sample size be 5% of the population 8374 which is 419 respondents
(students will be selected from the 4 schools). In each of the schools students will be
sampled using 5% of the schools population to reduce bias.s
Instrument for Data Collection
The instrument for data collection is a constructed questionnaire following a
thorough review of the literature based on objectives of the study. The purpose of the
questionnaire is to ascertain the perception of health implication of early marriage by
the students, the questionnaire will consist of selections A to F
Section A of the instrument (questionnaire) will carry preliminary information
on the background of the respondents, section B will contain five (5) question items
on perception of physical health implications of early marriage, Section C will
contain five (5) question items on perception of social health implications of early
marriage, Section D will contain five (5) question items on perception of emotional
health implications of early marriage, Section E will contain five (5) question items
on perception of mental health implications of early marriage, while Section F will
contain four (4) question items on perception of implication of early marriage based
on literacy level of parents.
The questionnaire will be structured on a four point likert scale of Strongly
Agreed (SA), Agreed (A), Disagreed (D) and Strongly Disagreed (SD) This likert
technique is considered appropriate because it measures information from a large
portion of a group and gives the participant a wide range of choice which will make
them feel more comfortable (Ally, 2001).
Validity of the instrument
The instrument will be approved by the project supervisor and will be
validated by three lecturers in the department of Health Education AIFCE Owerri.
Their criticisms, advice and suggestions will be used in modifying the instrument
(questionnaire), thereby ensuring content validity of the questionnaire.
Reliability of the instrument
Reliability of the instrument will be obtained using the test-retest method.
Twenty(20) copies of the questionnaire will be administered to 20 students from
schools not selected for the study. After two weeks the same but fresh copies of the
questionnaire will be given out to the same students, the results gotten will be
analyzed using spear-man rank order correlation.
Method of Data Collection
The researcher will seek for permission for access into the schoolss by
submitting a letter of introduction explaining the purpose of the study in order to gain
their cooperation to the Principals in charge of the schools.

The researcher will embark on face to face administration. A total of four
hundred and nineteen (419) questionnaire item will be given to the students from the
schools based on the 5% sample of target population. After administering the
questionnaire, the students will be asked to submit their questionnaire to their various
form teachers which will be collected later by the researcher.
Method of Data Analysis
The complete questionnaire will be collated, coded and analyzed using both
descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts and
percentages will be used to answer the research questions while the inferential
statistics of chi-square will be used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
In this chapter, the results of the study are presented in tables. The analyses are
based on the data collected from four secondary schools in Isu Local Government
Areas. The interpretation and analysis of the results are based on the objectives of
the study stated earlier in the research questions. To ensure effective analysis of
data collected, the response to each question tailed and converted to frequency and
simple percentages with each research being followed by subsequent questions
relating to the research questions. 419 questionnaires were distributed. Out of this
lot, 360 questionnaires were properly filled and returned. This amounts to 86% of
the total. 27 of them were unreturned
Research Question 1
What is the physical health implications of early marriage among senior secondary
school students in Isu L.G.A?
Table 1: Physical health implications of early marriage
(N=360)
S/N Physical Health SA % A % SD % D %

implication of Early
Marriage
1. Sexual and 226 62.78 117 32.5 10 2.78 7 1.94

reproductive health of
the girl in a child
marriage is likely to be
jeopardize
2. The girl often lack the 155 40.05 140 38.89 50 13.89 15 4.17
knowledge to negotiate
for safe sex and
contraceptive practices
3. It increases the risks of 200 55.56 84 23.33 47 13.05 29 8.05

acquiring HIV or other
STDs.
4. Physical and mental 201 55.83 104 28.89 29 8.05 26 7.22

immaturity of the
mother lead to poor
care of both the
mother and the child.
5. Complications from 210 58.33 113 31.38 25 6.94 12 3.33

pregnancy and child
bearing are the leading
causes of death among
girls aged 15-19 years.
Table 1: above shows responses on physical health implications of early marriage

secondary school students in Isu L.G.A Imo State. 226(62.78%) strongly agreed,
117(32.5%) agreed while 10(2.78%) strongly disagreed, 7(1.94%) disagreed that
sexual and reproductive health of the girl in a child marriage is likely to be
jeopardize, 155(43.05%) strongly agreed, 140 (38.89%) agreed while 50(13.89%)
strongly disagreed, 15(4.17%) disagreed that the girl often lack the knowledge to
negotiate for safe sex and contraceptive practices, 200(55.56%) strongly agreed,
84(23.33%) agreed while 47(13.05%) strongly disagreed, 29 (8.05%) disagreed that
early marriage increases the risks of acquiring HIV and other STDs, 201(55.83%)
strongly agreed, 104(28.89%) agreed while 29(8.05%) strongly disagreed, 26(7.22%)
disagreed that physical and mental immaturity of mother and the child and
210(58.33%) strongly agreed, 133(31.38%) agreed while 25(6.92%) strongly
disagreed, 12(3.33%) disagreed that complications are the leading causes of death
among girls during pregnancy and childbearing.
Research Question 2
What is the social health implications of early marriage among secondary school
students in Isu L.G.A Imo State?
Table 2: Social health implications of early marriage
(N=360)
S/N Social health implications early SA % A % SD % D %

marriage
1. Due to unscheduled parenthood, 179 49.72 162 45 10 2.78 9 2.5

the situation often leads to divorce
and separation.
2. It equally leads to child 199 55.27 43 11.94 82 22.78 36 10

abandonment.
3. There may be wife battering and 190 52.78 104 28.89 40 11.11 26 7.22
family conflict following such
premature relationship.
4. High divorce rate is experienced 224 62.22 56 15.56 43 11.94 37 10.28

later in life due to change of values
and wanting to catch up with what
is missed as teenagers.
5. It is clear violation of human rights 288 80 60 16.67 12 3.33 0 0

and threat to the society.
Table 2: above shows that responses on social health implications of early
marriage among secondary school students in Isu L.G.A Imo State. 179(49.72%)
strongly agreed, 162(45%) agreed while 10(2.78%) strongly disagreed 9(2.5%)
disagreed that due to unscheduled parenthood, the situation often leads to divorce
and separation, 199(55.27%) strongly agreed, 43(11.94%) agreed while 82(22.78%)
strongly disagreed, 36(10%) disagreed that it equally lead to child abandonment,
190(52.78%) strongly agreed, 104(28.89%) agreed while 40(11.11%) strongly
disagreed, 26(7.22%) disagreed that there may be wife battering and family conflict
following such premature relationship, 224(62.22%) strongly agreed, 56(15.56%)
agreed while 43(11.94%) strongly disagreed, 37(10.28%) disagreed that high divorce
rate is experienced later in life due to change of values and wanting to catch up with
what is missed as teenagers, and 228(80%) strongly agreed, 60(16.67%) agreed while
12(3.33%) strongly disagreed, 0(0%) disagreed that it is clear violation of human
rights and threat to the society.
Research Question 3
What is the emotional health implications of early marriage among secondary

school students in Isu L.G.A Imo State?
Table 3: Emotional health implications of early marriage
(N=360)
S/N Emotional Health SA % A % SD % D %

implication of Early
Marriage
1. Early marriage may 269 74.72 72 20 12 3.33 8 2.22

expose the girl to
depression.
2. The girl tends to 280 77.78 66 18.33 09 2.5 05 1.39
withdraw from her per
group and friends.
3. The girl could not 177 49.17 100 27.77 41 11.39 42 11.67
manage her day-to-day
issues like stress.
4. The girl finds it difficult 108 30 92 28.56 81 22.5 61 16.94

to cope with her
husband’s family.
5. Happiness and wellbeing 200 55.56 142 39.44 93 25.83 90 25

of the teenagers are
totally lost.
Table 3: above shows the responses on the emotional health implications of early
marriage among secondary school students in Isu L.G.A Imo State. 269(74.72%)
strongly agreed, 72(20%) agreed while 12(3.33%) strongly disagreed, 89(2.22%)
disagreed that early marriage may expose the girl to depression, 280(77.78%)
disagreed that the girl tends to withdraw from her per-group and friends,
177(49.17%)strongly agreed, 100(27.77%) agreed while 41(11.39%) strongly
disagreed, 42(11.67%) disagreed that the girl could not manage her day to day issues
like stress, 108(30%) strongly agreed, 92(28.56%) agreed while 81(22.5%) strongly
disagreed, 61(16.94%) disagreed that the girl finds it difficult to cope with her
husband’s family, and 200(55.56%) strongly agreed, 142(39.44%) agreed while
93(25.83%) strongly disagreed, 90(25%) disagreed that happiness and well being of
teenagers are totally lost.
Research Question 4
What is mental health implications of early marriage among secondary school
students in Isu L.G.A Imo State?
Table 4: mental health implications of early marriage
(N=360)
S/N Mental Health implication SA % A % SD % D %

of Early Marriage
1. High risk of nicotine dependence 85 23.6 75 20.83 107 29.72 93 25.83

is also associated with child
marriage.
2. Their psychological wellbeing 155 43.05 135 37.5 39 10.83 31 8.61

and empowerment also suffer.
3. Child marriage is generally 89 24.72 88 24.44 81 22.5 102 28.33

occurred with psychiatric
problems.
4. A girl who married before 18 52 14.44 58 16.11 133 36.94 117 32.5
was also more likely to become
addicted to drugs, alcohol or
smoking.
5. Women who were married as 111 30.83 107 29.72 74 20.56 68 18.88
children are mood and anxiety
disorder such as panic disorder,
bipolar disorder.
Table 4 above shows the responses on mental health implications of early marriage
among secondary school students in Isu L.G.A 85(23.61%) strongly agreed,
75(20.83%) agreed while 10729.72%) strongly disagreed, 93(25.83%) disagreed that
high risk of nicotine dependence it also associated with child marriage, 155(43.05%)
strongly agreed, 135(37.5%) agreed while 39(10.38%)strongly disagreed, 31(8.61%)
disagreed that psychological well being and empowerment also suffer,
89(24.72%)strongly agreed, 88(24.44%) agreed while 81(22.5%) strongly disagreed,
102(28.33%) disagreed that child marriage is generally occurred with psychiatric
problem, 52(14.44%)strongly agreed, 58(16.88%) agreed while 133(36.94%)strongly
agreed, 117(32.5%)d disagreed that a girl who married before 18 was also likely to
become addicted to drugs,alcohol or smoking and 111(30.83%) strongly agreed,
women who were married as children are mood and anxiety disorder such panic
disorder, bipolar disorder.
Research Questions 5
What is the implications of early marriage among secondary based on education

level of parents?
Table 5 : Education level of parents
(N=360)
S/ Education level of the SA % A % SD % D %

N parents
1. Many husbands who 189 52.5 97 26.94 39 10.83 35 9.72

commit violence in their
families are either illiterate
or are with lower level of
education.
2. Lack of knowledge leads 205 56.94 111 30.83 24 6.67 20 5.55

to harm of child marriage.
3. Generally, illiteracy is 176 48.88 156 43.33 17 4.72 11 3.05

number one leading cause
of child marriage.
4. Increase educational 150 41.67 148 41.11 29 8.05 33 9.16

opportunities will decrease
the chances of having early
marriage.
Table 5 above shows that responses on the implications of education level of

parents of early marriage among secondary school students in Isu L.G.A. 189(52.5%)
disagreed that many husbands who commit violence in their families are either
illiterate or are with lower level of education, 205 (56.94%) strongly agreed,
lack knowledge lead to harm of child marriage, 176(48.88%) strongly agreed,
156(43.33%) agreed while 17 (4.72%) strongly disagreed, 11(3.05%) disagreed that
illiteracy is number one leading cause of child marriage, and 150(41.67%) strongly
agreed, 148(41.11%) agreed while 29(8.05%)strongly disagreed, 33(9.16%) disagreed
that increase educational opportunities will decrease the chances of having early
marriage.
TESTING OF HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis 1
Ho: there is no significant difference in the physical health implications of early marriage
among secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area.
H1: there significant difference in the physical health implications of early marriage among
secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area.
Table 6: Chi-Square analysis of physical health implications of early marriage
Age Agreed % Disagreed % Total %
13-15 70 19.4 10 2.8 80 22
16-18 130 36.1 20 5.6 150 42
19 and above 110 30.6 20 5.6 130 36
360 100
Test of statistics
Degree of freedom =( C-1) (R-1)
(3-1) (2-1)
(2) (1) = 2
Chi-Square(X2) = (0-E)
Calculate chi- square(X2) value = 22.95
Chi- square( X2) critical value at X0.005, df 2 =5.991
(please see appendix for details of calculations)
Decision Rule
Since the calculation chi- square (X2) value is greater than the critical value, the decision rule
that I should reject the research hypothesis (Ho) with 95% confidence level and 2 degrees of
freedom. I should therefore accept the alternative hypothesis (H1) which states that there is
significant difference on the physical health implications on early marriage.
Comment on findings
The findings above empirically prove that they are physical health implications of early
marriage. So the research hypothesis does not hold true.
Hypothesis 2
Ho: there is no significant difference in the social health implications of early marriage
H1: there significant difference in the social health implications of early marriage among
Table 7: Chi-Square analysis of social health implications of early marriage
13-15 64 18 16 4% 80 22
16-18 116 32 34 9% 150 41
19 and above 121 34 9 3% 130 37
360 100
Test of statistics
(3-1) (2-1)
(2) (1) = 2
Decision Rule
freedom. This proves that there is significant difference on the social health implications on
early marriage.
Comment on findings
The findings shows that prove that early marriage is associated with social health
implications.
Hypothesis 3
Ho: there is no significant difference in the emotional health implications of early marriage
H1: there significant difference in the emotional health implications of early marriage among
Table 8: Chi-Square analysis of emotional health implications of early marriage
13-15 68 19 12 3% 80 22
16-18 135 38 15 4% 150 42

19 and above 98 27 32 9% 130 36
360 100
Test of statistics
(3-1) (2-1)
(2) (1) = 2
Decision Rule
freedom. This proves that there is significant difference on the emotional health implications
on early marriage.
Comment on findings
The findings shows that prove that early marriage is significant associated with emotional
health implications.
Hypothesis 4
Ho: there is no significant difference in the mental health implications of early marriage
H1: there significant difference in the mental health implications of early marriage among
Table 9: Chi-Square analysis of social health implications of early marriage
13-15 43 12 37 10% 80 22
16-18 82 23 68 19% 150 42
19 and above 66 18 64 18% 130 36
360 100
Test of statistics
(3-1) (2-1)
(2) (1) = 2
Chi- square( X2) critical value at X 0.005, df 2 =5.991
Decision Rule
Since the calculation chi- square (X2) value (0.431) is less than the critical value (5.991), the
decision rule accept the null hypothesis (Ho) with 95% confidence level and 2 degrees of
freedom. Therefore it was concluded that there is no significant difference on the mental
health implications on early marriage. Alternative hypothesis is therefore rejected.
Comment on findings
The implication of the findings is the early marriage is not significant associated with mental
health implications.
Hypothesis 5
Ho: there is no significant difference in perception of health implications of early marriage
based on level of level of education of parents among secondary school students in Isu Local
Government Area.
H1: there is significant difference in perception of health implications of early marriage

based on level of level of education of parents among secondary school students in Isu Local
Government Area.
Table 10:Chi-Square analysis of perception of health implications of early marriage based on

level of education of parents
13-15 70 20 15 4% 85 24
16-18 120 34 20 5% 140 40
19 and above 110 15 4% 125 35
360 100
Test of statistics
(3-1) (2-1)
(2) (1) = 2
Decision Rule
Since the calculation chi- square (X2) value (17.5) is greater than the critical value (5.991),
the decision rule demand that I should reject the hypothesis (Ho) with 95% confidence level
and 2 degrees of freedom. This proves that there is significant difference on the perception
of health implications of early marriage based on level of education of parents.
Comment on findings
The findings show that early marriage is associated with perception based on level of
education of parents.
CHATER FIVE
Discussions, Conclusion,Recommendations and Summary
This chapter was discussed under the following headings:

Discussion of Findings
Conclusions of the Findings
Recommendations
Implications of the Study
Limitations
Summary
Discussion of findings
This section is discussed based on the result of the research questions and
corresponding hypotheses raised in the chapter one.
Research question one sought out to determine the physical health implications of
early marriage among secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area of
Imo State. The corresponding chi- square on the analysis of hypothesis one (1)
revealed that (X2) cal of 22.95 was greater than the (X2) critical table value of 5.991 at
2 degree of freedom and 0.05 level of significance. Therefore the null hypothesis
that there is no significant difference in the physical health implications of early
marriage among secondary school students in Isu L.G.A. is rejected and alternative
hypothesis which states that there is significant differences on the physical health
implications on early marriage is accepted. This agrees with Nwosu (2012) who
opined that early marriage imposes a lot of physical health problems such as VVF
and so on.
Research question two aimed at determining the social health implications of early
marriage among secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area of Imo
State. The corresponding chi- square on the analysis of hypothesis two (2) revealed
that (X2) cal of 12.58 was greater than the (X2) tabulated of 5.991 at 2 degree of
freedom and 0.05 level of significance. Therefore the null hypothesis that there is no
significant difference in the social health implications of early marriage among
secondary school students in Isu L.G.A. is rejected and alternative hypothesis which
states that there is significant differences on the social health implications on early
marriage is accepted. The finding agree with Nour (2006) that the young married
girls always feels isolate
Research question three sought out to determine whether there early marriage
among secondary school students difference significantly by emotional health in Isu
Local Government Area Imo State. The corresponding chi- square on the analysis of
hypothesis three (3) revealed that (X2) cal of 11.04 was greater than the (X2)
tabulated of 5.991 at 2 degree of freedom and 0.05 level of significance. Therefore
the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in the emotional health
implications of early marriage among secondary school students in Isu L.G.A. is
rejected. The finding agree with. The finding agree with Ruiz (2010)that a lot of
adolescents who are forced into early marriage suffer depression ans also experience
stresses. Jones (2008) opined that adolescent in early marriage are always feel
unhappy and they tend to with draw.
Research question four sought out to determine whether there is difference

significant in mental health implication early marriage among secondary school
students in Isu Local Government Area Imo State. The corresponding chi- square on
the analysis of hypothesis four (4) revealed that (X2) cal of 0.431 was less than (X2)
tabulated value of 5.991 at 2 degree of freedom and 0.05 level of significance.
Therefore the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in the mental health
implications of early marriage among secondary school students in Isu L.G.A. is
accepted. The finding agree with Jones (2008) that mental attachment is not in any
where connected with early marriage among adolescents.
Conclusions
Based on the discussion and findings, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. The findings of the result of this study revealed that though most of the
respondents(86%) agreed that there are significant difference on the physical
health implication of early marriage among secondary school students, there
were still number of respondents (14%) who disagreed.
2. Significant difference on the social health implication of early marriage among
secondary school students, where (84) of the respondents agreed while(16%)
disagreed.
3. Significant difference on the emotional health implication of early marriage
among secondary school students, where (84) of the respondents agreed
while(16%)of the respondents disagreed.
4. Significant difference on the mental health implication of early marriage among
secondary school students, where (35%) of the respondents agreed
while(47%)of the respondents disagreed.
Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusion, the following recommendations were
made.
1. Health and allied educators should organize health talks for the students to
enlighten them on the health implications for early marriage.
2. The government should also regularly organize seminars and workshops in
our secondary schools on the issue of sex life.
3. Curriculum and educational planners should introduce sex and life education
into Senior primary and secondary schools curriculum as away of creating awareness
early in the life of adolescents.
4. Dissemination of information on the benefits of getting married at due age.
5. The government should set up task forces to check mate and punish the
perpetrators of early marriage
6. Government should ensure that more money is channeled on health sectors
and ensure also its adequate utilization.
Implication of the the Study

This study is on the the perception of health implications of early marriage
Form the finding made in the study , it was found that majority of respondents
in Isu Local Government Area of Imo states revealed high perception of health
implications of early marriage but due to unemployment, poor quality life and
poverty have made parents to give their daughter’s hand in marriage at early
stage of time . these predisposing factors if things is done about it will expose
parents to continue to abuse their daughters by giving them out for early
marriage. Therefore effort should be made to enlighten and educate parents on
the issue. The results of this study will sensitize the health educators towards
increasing their efforts in teaching health issues.
Limitations of the study
The study was constrained by financial in compatibility of the researcher, limited
time for the researcher and logistic problems encountered on the process of
distributing my research instrument.
Certain areas not covered by this research provide some basis for further study,
some of these areas are;
1. Persistence of early marriage among secondary school students.
2. Perception of early marriage .
Need for sex and family life education among secondary school students in L.G.A.
Imo State.
summary
The study was carried out to ascertain the perception of health implication of
early marriage among secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area.
Five (5) research questions and five(5) hypotheses were formulated. Related
literature's were reviewed under the following subheading, such as conceptual
framework, theoretical and empirical studies on the perception of health
implications of early marriage among senior secondary school students.
The research design adopted for this study was the descriptive survey research
design. The population of the study was eight thousand three hundred and
seventy four(8,374) secondary school students in Isu Local Government Area.
The sample size for the study consisted of 419 secondary school students from
four (4) randomly selected secondary school students in Isu Local Government
Area.
Multistage sampling techniques were used in drawing the sample. Structural
questionnaire was also used for data collection. The instrument was validated by
three (3) lecturers in the department of health education. A test-retested
reliability method was used and results were computed using Pearson product
moment correlation coefficient.
Data were tallied and analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency and
percentage as well as inferential statistic of chi-square(X 2). the level of
signification was at 0.05, appropriate degrees freedom were worked out.
Recommendations were equally dawn that health educators should organize
health talks for the students to enlighten them on the implications of early child
marriage and sensitization done at the community level to equally enlighten
parents on the health implications of early marriage.
Conclusion were also drawn that there is no significant difference of physical
health implication of early marriage among secondary school students in Isu
Local Government.
APPENDIX
Table One:
S/N Name of schools Total

population
1. Comprehensive Secondary School, Amurie 1,976
2. Comprehensive Secondary School, Omanze 5,263
3. Ekwe Secondary School 2,160
4. Ebenator Ekwe Secondary School 5,752
5. Secondary Technical School, Amandugba 3,264
6. Basic senior Commercial school 3,834
7. Ebenator Ekwe Senior Secondary School 2,045

8. Holy Ghost Secondary School 2,193
10. Secondary Technical School, Amandugba 2,704
Total 31,725
Source: Ministry of Education, Owerri (2018)
Table Two: Schools and target population of senior secondary students in Isu
LGA, Imo state.
S/N Name of schools Population of Senior

Secondary School
1. Comprehensive Secondary School, Amurie 1,976
3. Ebenator Ekwe Secondary School 5,752
4. Holy Ghost Secondary School 2,193
Total 8,374
Table Three: Sample frame for Senior Secondary Students in Isu LGA, Imo
state
S/N Name of Secondary schools Population of Population

Senior Secondary 5%
School
1. Comprehensive Secondary School, 1,976 99
Amurie
2. Ekwe Secondary School 2,160 108
3. Ebenator Ekwe Secondary School 5,752 102
4. Holy Ghost Secondary School 2,193 110
Total 8,374 419

References
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http://muslimcanada.org/rauf.pdf
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Mcgill University Retrieved 3/23/201
Anderson, R.T.(2013). Beyondgaymarriage.
http.www.weeklystandard.com/content/public/article/000/000/00
Accessed 3/4/2014
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QUESTIONNAIRE
Instruction: please tick (✔) against your chosen option
SECTION A
Demographic Data
1. What is your sex? Male Female
2. What is your age? 13 - 15 yrs 15 – 19 yrs
SECTION B
Instruction: please tick (✔) for Strongly Agreed (SA), Agreed (A), Strongly
Disagreed (SD) or Disagreed (D) in the box provided.
S/N Physical Health implication of Early Marriage SA A SD D
1. Sexual and reproductive health of the girl in a child

marriage is likely to be jeopardize
2. The girl often lack the knowledge to negotiate for

safe sex and contraceptive practices
3. It increases the risks of acquiring HIV or other

STDs.
4. Physical and mental immaturity of the mother lead to

poor care of both the mother and the child.
5. Complications from pregnancy and child bearing are

the leading causes of death among girls aged 15-19
years.
SECTION C
S/N Social Health implication of Early Marriage SA A SD D
1. Due to unscheduled parenthood, the situation often

leads to divorce and separation.
2. It equally leads to child abandonment.
3. There may be wife battering and family conflict

following such premature relationship.
4. High divorce rate is experienced later in life due to

change of values and wanting to catch up with what
is missed as teenagers.
5. It is clear violation of human rights and threat to the

society.
SECTION D
S/N Emotional Health implication of Early Marriage SA A SD D
1. Early marriage may expose the girl to depression.
2. The girl tends to withdraw from her per group and

friends.
3. The girl could not manage her day-to-day issues like

stress.
4. The girl finds it difficult to cope with her husband’s

family.
5. Happiness and wellbeing of the teenagers are totally

lost.
SECTION E
S/N Mental Health implication of Early Marriage SA A SD D
1. High risk of nicotine dependence is also associated

with child marriage.
2. Their psychological wellbeing and empowerment

also suffer.
3. Child marriage is generally occurred with psychiatric

problems.
4. A girl who married before 18 was also more likely to

become addicted to drugs, alcohol or smoking.
5. Women who were married as children are mood and

anxiety disorder such as panic disorder, bipolar
disorder.
SECTION F
S/N Education level of the parents SA A SD D
1. Many husbands who commit violence in their

families are either illiterate or are with lower level of
education.
2. Lack of knowledge leads to harm of child marriage.
3. Generally, illiteracy is number one leading cause of

child marriage.
4. Increase educational opportunities will decrease the

chances of having early marriage.

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TITLE PAGE

PERCEPTION OF HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF EARLY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

Consequences of Child Marriage in Nigeria

Dr.Ibhafidon, Akhere ………………………… …………………………

External examiner ………………………….. …………………………

Statement of the problem

Purpose of the study

Significance of the study

Scope of the study

The study will be delimited to perception of health implications of early

Concept of Child/ Early Marriage

Predisposing Factors to Early Marriage

Causes of Early Marriage

Consequences of Child Marriage In Nigeria

Possible ways of Controlling Early Marriage

Theory of Demographic Transition

BOWEN Family Systems Theory

Health Belief Model

Summary of Literature Review

Perception (from the word perceptio, percipio) is organization, identification

and interpretation of sensory information in order to represent and understand the

environment (Schater & Daniel, 2011). Perception is the conscious reception,

Perception is also used to describe what is perceived.

Perception is a key component of several theoretical framework used in

nursing research. A well-known conceptual structure for understanding what drives

Perception is understand as a process in which an individuals becomes aware and

The world health organization (WHO) defined health as a state of complete

enabling of life without limitation or restriction.

According Merriam Webster dictionary health is the condition of being sound in

Huber et al (2011) defined health as the ability to adapt and to self-manage, in

the face of social, physical and emotional challenges.

amended and supplemented by the fourth dimension, spiritual health. Generally

compassion and willingness to help and support others, responsibility and

and demands as well as social stress Donev, D (2014).

situational , professional and ever societal definitions. For example, to an athlete,

return to work. In contrast to physical health, a person in an unhappy relationship may

be concerned about there mental health.

An implication is something that is suggested, or happens indirectly. Implications

false when the first is true. It suggests a likely relationship.

and influence, (Anderson, 2013).

Marriage is one of the most ancient, important, universal and indispensable

born of their union. According to Encylopedia Britamica, Marriage is a physical, legal

Although the definition of marriage varies according to different culture, It is

principally an institution in which interpersonal relationship usually intimate and sex

influence of the third party.

The American concept of marriage foundation has been a foundation for

Concept of Child/Early Marriage

interpreted differently. The internationally recognized definition of a child established

age of puberty or below the legal age of maturity (2018).

parts of the country. In northern Nigeria, child marriage is a traditional cultural

According Erulkar and Muthengi (2014) Child marriage is advantageous to poor

raising a girl. Erulkar and Muthengi’s assertion is supported by Otoo-Oyortey and

Pobi, (2013) who maintain globally, poverty is a major cause, as well as a

daughter’s care to the husband’s family.

In a study conducted by Karlyn et al (2012) on early marriage in Northern

created an uproar as it was in contravention of section 21 of the CRA, Yerima

justified the marriage on religious grounds.

According to Tardzer (2012) although Ahmad Yerima’s conduct seemed

Early marriage is defined by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCEF 2015)

as a formal marriage or informal union entered into by an individual before

practice are girls.