Use of time-varying and time-constant coefficient in hazard event analysis of Girl’s child marriage: A study from the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states of India

Abstract

IntroductionPractice of child marriage in India still is not an uncommon event and considered as one of the social evil that should be addressed properly. Enactment of law is still far from eliminating the practices of girl child marriage and it remains a widespread practice in the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states in India. ObjectiveThe study examines the effect of selected time varying and time constant coefficients on the prevalence of girl child marriage in the EAG states. In this regard the study has incorporated 4th round (2015–2016) of National Family Health Survey data. MethodsCox regression hazard model were employed to assess how likelihood of hazard (girl’s child marriage) vary in different socio-economic domains. Girls’s are susceptible to get marriage prior to completion of 18 years age, considered as a hazard or failure otherwise survived from the hazard. ResultsFindings consolidated and revealed the ground truth that there has a significant association between girl child marriage and respondent’s wealth status, level of education, place of residence, as well as their religious belief and caste/tribe affiliation. Girls with no education or primary level of education, living in rural areas belong to poorest or poorer wealth quintile are more likely to be married at an early age. The likelihood of marriage of girl child is also higher among those girls whose religious belief is Hindu and affiliated to general category. ConclusionFindings suggest that by facilitating the educational opportunity for girls, economic support to families belongs to poorest categories, increasing awareness in rural area about the adverse effect of early childhood marriage are the key and effective steps to mitigate the issue with a coordinated way.