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Izugbara C, Suubi K, Afifu C, Salami T, Opondo E. The persistence of high rates of child marriage in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia: A scoping review. Health Care Women Int 2024:1-24. [PMID: 39088101 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2024.2385328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
While there is evidence that child marriage (CM) is reducing globally, rates in many contexts remain far too high. To understand the persistence of high rates of CM, we searched multiple databases for peer-reviewed, English language articles published between 2000 and 2023. High CM rates are continuing in circumstances of tenacious unequal gender norms, widespread poverty, limited schooling and economic prospects for girls, and weak awareness and enforcement of CM laws. Other contributing factors were opposition to women and girls' sexual, bodily, and reproductive rights; weak birth registration systems; a high proportion of women who married young in previous generations; early puberty; improved girls' agency; and the growing number of boys and young men who, having acquired locally prized masculinity resources, feel compelled to marry. We highlight the implications of the review findings for future research, policy and programmatic efforts aimed at addressing the persistence of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimaraoke Izugbara
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kirabo Suubi
- International Center for Research on Women, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chryspin Afifu
- International Center for Research on Women, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tijani Salami
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Evelyne Opondo
- International Center for Research on Women, Nairobi, Kenya
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Amponsah EB, Abdullah A, Eltigani B, Cluver LD. Risk and Protective Factors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241241021. [PMID: 38554071 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241241021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) has emerged as a critical child protection and public health concern in recent years. While the phenomenon is prevalent globally, its impact is compounded in sub-Saharan Africa owing to the cultural and socioeconomic challenges that leave many households in the region vulnerable. The present study synthesized existing evidence using the socioecological model as a guiding framework to assess the risk and protective factors associated with CSEC in sub-Saharan Africa. A protocol for the study was published in PROSPERO (CRD42022331832) with pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were screened and extracted from eight databases: PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, PROQUEST (Social Science Premium), PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE via Ovid. After an initial screening of 4,377 papers, seven studies were found eligible for the final review. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide for reporting systematic reviews. Included studies were appraised and rated using the Cambridge Quality Checklist and GRADE. Findings revealed risk factors, including adverse childhood experience and victimization, females aged 16 years and older, school dropouts, technology influence, child and parental alcohol use, and separation from caregivers. On the other hand, protective factors such as the number of female adolescents in a household, frequent health screening in schools, children being in school, and high parental monitoring were found to be associated with a lower risk of CSEC. Based on these findings, we recommend that interventions in sub-Saharan Africa adopt a holistic approach that addresses identified risk factors while harnessing protective factors to combat CSEC effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucie D Cluver
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Libretti A, Bianco G, Corsini C, Remorgida V. Female genital mutilation/cutting: going beyond urogynecologic complications and obstetric outcomes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1067-1074. [PMID: 36703012 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06929-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C or FGM) are procedures that involve partial or total removal of external female genitalia and other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Over 4 million girls are at risk of FGM annually. Since urogynecologic and obstetric complications of FGM have been extensively described and characterized, the aim of this review is to shift the focus on other aspects like perception of women, awareness of community, and knowledge of health workers. Our purpose is to highlight those aspects and understand how their grasp might help to eradicate this practice. RECENT FINDINGS Self-perception of women with FGM changes when they emigrate to western countries; awareness of complications and awareness of their rights are factors that make women reject the practice. Women from rural areas, already circumcised, or without a secondary level education are more likely to have a circumcised daughter. Women with at least a secondary education are more likely to agree with the eradication of the practice. Lack of education and poor wealth index are factors associated with men's support of FGM. Although aware of FGM, healthcare professionals need to be trained on this topic. General practitioners play a central role in addressing patients with FGM to the right path of diagnosis and treatment and psychologists in helping them with psychological sequelae. CONCLUSION These findings point out the future area of intervention, stressing the need of higher standard of care and global effort to eradicate this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Libretti
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità, Corso Mazzini, 18, 28100, Novara, Italy.
- School of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
| | | | - Christian Corsini
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentino Remorgida
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità, Corso Mazzini, 18, 28100, Novara, Italy
- School of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
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Dessie AM, Anley DT, Zemene MA, Gebeyehu NA, Adella GA, Kassie GA, Mengstie MA, Seid MA, Abebe EC, Gesese MM, Tegegne KD, Anteneh RM, Solomon Y, Moges N, Bantie B, Feleke SF, Dejenie TA, Geremew H. Trend, determinants, and future prospect of child marriage in the Amhara region, Ethiopia: a multivariate decomposition analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1132148. [PMID: 37780428 PMCID: PMC10537212 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1132148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Child marriage is a harmful traditional practice, which compromises children of their childhood and threatens their lives and health. In Ethiopia, 58% of women and 9% of men get married before the age of 18 years. Surprisingly, parents in the Amhara region make marriage promises of their children before they are even born, which will hinder the region from attaining the Sustainable Development Goal of ending child marriage. Thus, this study aimed to assess the trends, determinants, and future prospects of child marriage in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Methods A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted using four consecutive nationally representative Ethiopian demographic and health surveys (2000-2016). A logit-based multivariate decomposition analysis for a non-linear response model was fitted to identify factors that contributed to the change in child marriage over time. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05. The child marriage practice in the Amhara region by the year 2030 was also predicted using different forecasting features of Excel. Results The trend of child marriage over the study period (2000-2016) decreased from 79.9% (76.7, 82.8) to 42.9% (39.1, 46.9), with an annual average reduction rate of 2.9%. Approximately 35.2% of the decline resulted from an increase in the proportion of women who attained secondary and above-secondary education over the two surveys. A decrease in the proportion of rural women and a change in the behavior of educated and media-exposed women also contributed significantly to the decline in child marriage. The prevalence of child marriage in the Amhara region by the year 2030 was also predicted to be 10.1% or 8.8%. Conclusion Though there has been a significant decline in child marriage in the Amhara region over the past 16 years, the proportion is still high, and the region is not going to eliminate it by 2030. Education, residence, and media exposure were all factors associated with the observed change in child marriage in this study. Therefore, additional efforts will be required if child marriage is to be eliminated by 2030, and investing more in education and media access will hasten the region's progress in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anteneh Mengist Dessie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Denekew Tenaw Anley
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Aderajew Zemene
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Natnael Atnafu Gebeyehu
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Asmare Adella
- Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Woliata Sodo University, Woliata Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Ambaw Kassie
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Woliata Sodo University, Woliata Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Misganaw Asmamaw Mengstie
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Abdu Seid
- Unit of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Molalegn Mesele Gesese
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Kirubel Dagnaw Tegegne
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Rahel Mulatie Anteneh
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Yenealem Solomon
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Natnael Moges
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Berihun Bantie
- Department of Comprehensive Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Sefineh Fenta Feleke
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Geremew
- College of Health Science, Oda Bultum University, Chiro, Ethiopia
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Rodríguez-Sánchez V, Ventura-Miranda MI, Berthe-Kone O, Hernández-Padilla JM, Fernández-Sola C, Molina JG, Morante-García W, García-González J. Understanding the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation: a phenomenological study in sub-Saharan women living in Spain. Midwifery 2023; 123:103711. [PMID: 37172409 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is culturally accepted in some African communities, has serious consequences on the physical, psychological, urogynecological, obstetrical and sexual health of girls and women. It is therefore important to understand women's experiences of the consequences of FGM. OBJECTIVE to understand the experiences of the consequences of female genital mutilation in sub-Saharan female survivors living in Spain. DESIGN a qualitative study based on Merleau-Ponty's hermeneutic phenomenology. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 13 sub-Saharan female survivors of female genital mutilation participated. The study was carried out in two south-eastern Spanish provinces where many jobs in the agricultural and service industry are done by African immigrants originating from ethnic groups in which FGM is still prevalent. FINDINGS In-depth interviews were carried out for data collection. ATLAS.ti was used for inductive analysis, from which two main themes were developed that represent the experiences of the consequences of FGM: (a) The impact of FGM: Hijacked sexual health and (b) The difficult process of genital reconstruction: overcoming the aftereffects and regaining integrity. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The mutilated women experienced serious consequences in their sexual, psychological and obstetrical health. Genital reconstruction was a difficult decision but contributed to regaining their sexual health and identity. The professionals involved play an important role in the care provided for the associated consequences of FGM, in identifying risk groups and in providing advice that allows the women to regain their sexual and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cayetano Fernández-Sola
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine. University of Almeria. Spain; Associated Reseacher, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma de Chile. Santiago, Chile.
| | - José Granero Molina
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine. University of Almeria. Spain; Associated Reseacher, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma de Chile. Santiago, Chile.
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Bolarinwa OA, Afaya A, Ajayi KV, Ojo A, Alawode OA. Prevalence and factors associated with the use of long-acting reversible and permanent contraceptive methods among women who desire no more children in high fertility countries in sub-saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2141. [PMID: 36414944 PMCID: PMC9682718 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14575-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proportion of women with family planning needs increased from 74 to 76% between 2000 and 2019, and this improvement has not transcended to a fertility rate stall or decrease in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In the face of a continuous increase in the fertility rate in SSA, population experts agreed that the efficient use of reliable family planning methods such as long-acting reversible and permanent contraceptive methods (LARC/PMs) could help reduce the high fertility rate and associated adverse reproductive health outcomes in the region. However, despite the effectiveness of LARC/PMs, its use remains elusive in SSA. Thus, this study examines the prevalence and factors associated with the use of LARC/PMs among women who desire no more children in high-fertility countries in SSA. METHODS Secondary datasets from the demographic health surveys conducted in 20 countries in SSA between 2010 and 2019 were included in the study. A total sample size of 46,290 sexually active women of reproductive age who desire no more children and who met the study inclusion criteria was pooled and analysed. Prevalence of LARC/PMs use was displayed using a graph whilst binary logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors, and results were presented as unadjusted odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with a statistical significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of LARC/PMs use among women who desire no more children was 7.5%. Ranging from 20.9% in Senegal and as low as 0.4% in Congo. Women within the richest wealth index [aOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03-1.36] and those exposed to mass media [aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.41-1.68] had higher odds of LARC/PMs use among sexually active women of reproductive age who desire no more children compared to those within poorest wealth index and women with no mass media exposure. CONCLUSION The study concluded that LARC/PMs use among sexually active women who desire no more children was very low, and women within the richest wealth index and those with mass media exposure were likely to use LARC/PMs. Interventions that will encourage using LARC/PMs should be prioritised to reduce fertility rates in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa
- Department of Global Public Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK.
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Agani Afaya
- College of Nursing, Yonsei University, 50‑1, Yonsei‑ro, Seodaemun‑gu, 03722, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Kobi V Ajayi
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, TX, USA
| | - Abimbola Ojo
- Department of Public Health, School of Health & Life Science, University of Teesside, Middlesbroug, UK
| | - Oluwatobi Abel Alawode
- Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Bolarinwa OA, Ahinkorah BO, Okyere J, Seidu AA, Olagunju OS. A multilevel analysis of prevalence and factors associated with female child marriage in Nigeria using the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:158. [PMID: 35538527 PMCID: PMC9092767 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, there has been a decline in female child marriage (FCM) from 1 in 4 girls married a decade ago to approximately 1 in 5 currently. However, this decline is not homogenous because some regions are still experiencing a high prevalence of FCM. As such, the United Nations reiterated the need for concentrated efforts towards ending FCM to avoid more than 120 million girls getting married before their eighteenth birthday by 2030. Following this, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with FCM in Nigeria using multi-level analysis. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from the women's file of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2018. A sample of 4143 young women aged 20-24 was included in the study. Our analysis involved descriptive, chi-square (χ2) and multi-level analyses. Results were presented in percentages, frequencies, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS The prevalence of FCM in 2018 was 65.30%. Young Muslim women aged 20-24 [aOR = 1.40; 95% CI (4.73-7.52)], those with parity between one and two [aOR = 5.96, 95% CI 4.73-7.52], those residing in North East [aOR = 1.55; 95% CI (1.19-2.10)] and North West [aOR = 1.59; 95% CI (1.18-2.16)] had a higher odd of practicing FCM respondents with secondary education and above [aOR = 0.36; 95% CI (0.29-0.46)], those within the richer wealth index [aOR = 0.35; 95% CI (0.23-0.54)] and young women living in communities with high literacy level [aOR = 0.74; 95% CI (0.59-0.92)] were less likely to get married before age 18 years. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that FCM is high in Nigeria. Formal education, being rich and living in communities with high literacy levels were some protective factors that can be strengthened to ensure that FCM is reduced or eliminated in Nigeria. On the other hand, residing in North-East or North-West and having children between one and two were some prevailing factors that exacerbated the odds of experiencing FCM in Nigeria. Therefore, attention should be channelled towards mitigating these prevailing negative factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Services, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Olalekan Seun Olagunju
- Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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