Perceptions of local governments, health facilities, and communities on child marriage: A qualitative study in Son La province, 2022

Abstract

Child marriage remains an issue worldwide, impacting the lives of millions of children, especially young girls, in economically poor and developing countries, including Vietnam, particularly in ethnic minority areas, where education and cultural awareness are still limited. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of local governments, healthcare providers, and community members regarding child marriage in Son La province, Vietnam, and to identify potential interventions to address this issue. A qualitative approach with thematic analysis was adopted to collect data from 18 parents from both the Kinh and ‘H’Mong ethnic minority groups in Son La Province from March to May 2022. The results showed four main themes: (1) persistence of child marriage despite decreasing trends, (2) causes of child marriage, (3) awareness of health consequences, and (4) proposed interventions for education and economic empowerment. The underreporting of cases and gaps between legal frameworks and community practices were identified as the key challenges. This study has provided valuable insights into the situation of child marriage in Son La province, Vietnam, highlighting the interplay of socioeconomic factors, traditional norms, and limited education in its persistence.