Child marriage and some associated factors among ethnic minorities in Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province, 2014 -2018

Abstract

Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 308 married women of ethnic minorities (Thai, Mong, Dao) in 3 communes of Dao San, Lan Nhi Thang, Hoang Then of Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province to describe Actual situation of child marriage and analysis of some related factors. Results showed that one out of every four marriages taking place between January 2014 and December 2018 was one of child marriage. The rate of child marriage in women is 23.7%, of which 22.1% of women confrm marriage in the period of 15-17 years and 1.6% of women confrm marriage when they were under 15 years old; Some factors related to child marriage in 03 communes are: pooor knowledge about marriage and family law increased the rate of child marriage upto 18 times; Relatives having child marriage increased the rate of child marriage upto 6.1 times and Custom of challenge the wedding increased the rate of child marriage upto 14.4 times.