Early Marriage and Associated Health Consequences among Female Children in Giza Governorate

Background: Early marriage known as child marriage, is defined as any marriage carried out below
the age of 18 years, before the girl is physically, physiologically, psychologically and social ready to
shoulder the responsibilities of marriage and childbearing. Early marriage therefore has major
consequences for public health, national security, social development, human rights, economic
development and gender equality. Aim: assess associated health consequences regarding early
marriage among female children in Giza Governorate. Methodology: design: descriptive
correctional design was utilized at August 2018 - November 2018. Setting: Baharms village at
Manshiat El-kanater center in Giza Governorate. Subject: Simple random sample included 100
girls experienced with early married before 18 years. Tools of data collection: Tool I: Pre designed
interview questionnaire sheet included demographic data related marriage. Tool II: Bio-psychosocial
hazards questionnaire sheet among female children. Results: 37% of the selected female children
exposed to aged from 16 – 18 year during married. 75% of selected female children had previous
early marriage in their families. 76% of the female children did not have enough information about
marriage before their marriage. 41% of the selected female children forced marriage. Conclusions:
The current study indicated that more than half of the selected female children experienced
menstrual disorders, vaginal tearing and bleeding from the effects of intercourse, While the current
study showed that the selected female children experienced violence, troubles in the sexual
relationship. Regarding social hazards, the majority of the selected female suffered from withdrawal
after marriage, and the majority of them did not support the idea of early marriage. There was highly
statistically significant with positive correlation between biological hazards and psychological
hazards. Also, there was highly statistically significant with positive correlation biological and social
hazards. As well as, there was highly statistically significant with positive correlation between
psychological and social hazards regarding early marriage. Recommendation: Applying health
education program among female students in preparatory schools and their caregivers to increase
their awareness regarding early marriage and health consequences. Periodic follow up for female
children by midwifes, obstetrics and gynecological nurse and family health nurses to detect health
consequences related early marriage. Home visiting home visit for female children to detect
biopsychosocial problems due to early marriage