Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
Early marriage, the union between children and adolescents below the age of eighteen is a common practice in some clans. It is of particular interest because it marks the transmission to adulthood in many societies, the point at which certain option in education, employment, religion and participation in the society are foreclosed, for the beginning of regular exposure to the risks of pregnancy and child bearing. It is most commonly practiced in sub-Sahara Africa and South Asia and well known as a traditional lifestyle. This practice prevents them from making informed decisions about their choice thereby limiting their roles. The effects of numerous factors on early marriage had been well documented. This work investigated the influence of socio-economic factors such as education, religion, culture, income and place of residence on early marriage among women in Ekiti State, South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The Chi-Square test and the correlation analysis were employed to determine the level of relationship between these factors and early marriage. Results showed that place of residence significantly influence early marriage. It also showed that there exist a minimal relationship between early marriage and other factors considered.

Keywords: early marriage, chi-square, correlation coefficient, socio-economic factors, relationship

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