Changes in Age at First Marriage and Associated Factors in Malawi: Evidence From Malawi Demographic and Health Survey Data 1992–2016

Ololade O.J Baruwa , North West University
Acheampong Y. Amoateng, North-West
Elizabeth Biney

The objectives of this study is to identify the trend in age at first marriage among women and its related social and demographic factors. We used Malawi Demographic and Health Survey from 1992 to 2016 to explore this objectives while the target population are women of reproductive age. To identify main effects of variables associated with age at marriage, Cox proportion hazard modelling was used without interactions. Women’s age, place of residence, education, region, religion, employment and wealth index were included in the analysis. The median age at first marriage during the period of 1992 to 2016 remained constant at 17 years. Age at first marriage is significantly positively associated with women’s age, education, place of residence, religion, and negatively associated with employment status and wealth index. Health and social policies should be directed towards public awareness of socio-demographic factors associated with early and delayed marriage in Malawi.

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 Presented in Session 4. Marriage, Family, Households, & Unions