Socio-cultural Interpretation of Marriage and Health Consequences of Girl Child Marriage in Northern Nigeria
Socio-cultural Interpretation of Marriage and Health Consequences of Girl Child Marriage in Northern Nigeria

Summary/Abstract: This paper explores the socio-cultural interpretation of marriage from the perspectives of Girl child brides and also examines the health consequences of girl child marriage in Katsina Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, North-West Nigeria. Primary data were obtained via in-depth interviews from ten (10) child brides of differing marital status identified through snowball, and purposively recruited for the study. Data were translated, transcribed, arranged thematically and subjected to content analysis. Result revealed that the participants’ socio- -cultural understanding of marriage vary according to personal conviction made to the brides to encourage them accept marriage arrangements. Therefore, marriage was perceived by some child brides as an institution that trains the individual to become an adult through procreation, while some see marriage as an institution which conveys societal respect, and others perceive marriage as an institution where basic needs can be adequately met. Result further revealed that girl child marriage impact both the reproductive and mental health of the girl child. Reproductive health consequences of girl child marriage include pregnancy/childbirth complications, infant mortality, Vesicovagina Fistula (VVF), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) among others. Mental health consequence of girl child marriage comprises of physical assault (beating), psychological/emotional abuse from intimate partner. Study concluded that girl child marriage is influenced by its socio- -cultural interpretation and it negatively impacts the health needs of the girl child. Study recommends a proper orientation of the Girl child on the meaning and responsibility of the marriage institution, and implications on reproductive and mental health for building a healthy society.

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