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Meta-Analysis
. 2023 Nov 22;18(11):e0292625.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292625. eCollection 2023.

Early marriage and its associated factors among women in Ethiopia: Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Natnael Atnafu Gebeyehu  1 , Molalign Melese Gesese  1 , Kirubel Dagnaw Tegegne  2 , Yenalem Solomon Kebede  3 , Gizachew Ambaw Kassie  4 , Misganaw Asmamaw Mengstie  5 , Melkamu Aderajaw Zemene  6 , Natnael Moges  7 , Berihun Bantie  8 , Sefineh Fenta Feleke  9 , Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie  10 , Endeshaw Chekol Abebe  5 , Denekew Tenaw Anley  6 , Anteneh Mengist Dessie  6 , Wubet Alebachew Bayih  11 , Getachew Asmare Adella  12
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Early marriage and its associated factors among women in Ethiopia: Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Natnael Atnafu Gebeyehu et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Early marriage is defined as the union of one or both partners before reaching the age of 18 for the first time. This practice is widely prevalent in underdeveloped countries, particularly in Ethiopia, and has been observed to have detrimental effects on the educational and personal development of both male and female individuals.

Methods: The present study conducted a comprehensive search of the Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and PubMed databases. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel (version 14) and analyzed using STATA statistical software. To examine publication bias, a forest plot, rank test, and Egger's regression test were utilized. Heterogeneity was assessed by calculating I2 and conducting an overall estimated analysis. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed based on the study region and sample size. The pooled odds ratio was calculated.

Results: Out of a total of 654 articles, 14 papers with 67,040 research participants were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of early marriage among women in Ethiopia was 56.34% (95% CI: 51.34-61.34), I2 = 78.3%). The Amhara region exhibited the highest prevalence of early marriage, with a rate of 59.01%, whereas the Oromia region demonstrated the lowest incidence, with a prevalence rate of 53.88%. The prevalence of early marriage was found to be 58.1% for a sample size exceeding 1000, and 50.9% for a sample size below 1000. No formal education (AOR = 5.49; 95%CI: 2.99, 10.07), primary education (AOR = 3.65; 95%CI: 2.11, 6.32), secondary education (AOR = 2.49; 95%CI: 1.60, 3.87), rural residency (AOR = 4.52; 95%CI: 1.90, 10.74) and decision made by parents (AOR = 2.44; 95%CI: 1.36, 4.39) were associated factors.

Conclusion and recommendation: In Ethiopia, there was a high rate of early marriage among women. The research findings indicate that early marriage is more prevalent among mothers who possess lower levels of educational attainment, reside in rural areas, and are subject to parental decision-making. Our stance is firmly in favor of expanding the availability of maternal education and promoting urban residency. Furthermore, the promotion of autonomous decision-making by clients regarding their marital affairs is of paramount importance to family leaders.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA flow chart displays the article selection process for the prevalence of early marriage among young women in Ethiopia.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Forest plot displaying the pooled prevalence of early marriage of women in Ethiopia.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Forest plot displaying the pooled prevalence of early marriage of women in Ethiopia.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Forest plot displaying subgroup-analysis based on sample size.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Funnel plot showing symmetrical distribution of studies indicating the absence of publication bias.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Pooled odds ratio displaying the association of no formal education with early marriage.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Pooled odds ratio displaying the association of primary education with early marriage.
Fig 8
Fig 8. Pooled odds ratio displaying the association of secondary education with early marriage.
Fig 9
Fig 9. Pooled odds ratio displaying the association of rural residency with early marriage.
Fig 10
Fig 10. Pooled odds ratio displaying the association of decision made by parents with early marriage.
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