Causes of Child Marriage and its Effects on Maternal Health of Teenage Mothers in Chereponi District, Ghana

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The purpose of the study was to investigate child marriage and its effects on maternal health of teenage mothers in the Chereponi District in the North East Region of Ghana. The study used a quantitative approach underpinned by descriptive survey design. A sample size of 150 was selected using purposive sampling technique. Child marriage questionnaire, psychological general well-being and a demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. Data was analysed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation using SPSS version 25.0. Findings revealed that child marriage is caused by poverty and economic demands, the protection of girls’ sexuality as a means of strengthening family relations, socio-cultural and religious factors, and preventing premarital sex. The study also found that child marriage has profound impact on the maternal health of teenage mothers. Again, girls should be oriented to take their studies seriously and report any early signs of child marriage to Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and Social welfare for prompt action. The study recommended that there should stringed measures where perpetrators of child marriage will be sanctioned by law. The study further recommended that girls should be given enough psychoeducation on the effects of child marriage. Finally, it was again recommended that counsellors and psychologists should provide counselling to girls to be self-assertive and provide economic empowerment strategies to make girls less dependent and vulnerable.