KNOWLEDGE OF PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY MARRIAGE AMONG ENUGU STATE INDIGENES
Okonkwo, Uchenna T.1 and Ezumah, Nkoli N.2
Department of Sociology/Anthropology
Faculty of the Social Sciences
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
E-Mail: uchenna.okonkwo@unn.edu.ug & ezumahnk@yahoo.com
Abstract: This article focuses on the knowledge of Enugu State indigenes of the problems associated with early marriage. The data presented in this article were derived from a study carried out in six communities (Ikem, Mgbuji, Obukpa, Okpuje, Mgbowo, and Isuu-Awaa) in Enugu state, Nigeria in 2011. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data gathering were utilized for the study. The instruments for data collection were the questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group discussions. The findings of the study showed that Enugu State indigenes are highly knowledgeable about the problems associated with early marriage. They associated early marriage with the following problems – premature death, retarded growth, emotional trauma, vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), prolonged labour, anaemia (shortage of blood), miscarriage, vaginal tear, caesarean sections, educational setbacks, accelerated ageing, promiscuity, bleeding (pre and post partum) HIV/AIDS, swelling of legs (oedema), ignorance, hot temperedness, and cervical cancer. Among these problems mentioned; the major problems the respondents identified were anaemia, educational setback, caesarean sections, obstructed labour, miscarriages, vesico-vaginal fistula, vaginal tear, and emotional trauma.
Keywords: Early Marriage, Knowledge, Problems, Girl Child, Enugu State.