Ishwar Kumar Shrestha
Central Department of Statistics, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Shankar Prasad Khanal
Central Department of Statistics, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
ABSTRACT
Background: Despite legislative efforts and developmental progress, early marriage persists in Nepal. This practice has adverse consequences, including poor maternal-child health, educational disruption, and reduced economic empowerment for women. However, current understanding of its spatial distribution and temporal trends is limited. A detailed assessment of its prevalence across demographic, socioeconomic, and geographical contexts is crucial for designing targeted programs to accelerate progress toward national development goals.
Objective: This study examines the levels, patterns, and determinants of age at first marriage (AFM) among Nepali women utilizing appropriate statistical methods.
Materials and Methods: This study analyzed the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data. Univariate and bivariate analyses to identify levels and patterns, while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) were employed to assess determinants associated with timing of AFM.
Results: The prevalence of marriage before age 18 among Nepali women was 50.2%, exhibiting notable variation across socio-demographic, geographical, and cultural contexts. Analysis revealed key determinants: higher women education, urban residence, and Janajati ethnicity predicted later marriage (22.2, 18.2, 18.6 years). Conversely, the earliest mean ages (≤17.7 years) were observed among Dalit, Other Terai caste groups and Madhesh residents, a trend further associated with lower levels of husband’s education.
Conclusion: Determinants associated with the timing of first marriage among Nepali women include; women’s education level, place of residence, caste/ethnicity, husband’s education, spousal age difference, and age at first menstruation. These findings can provide valuable insights for policymakers, enabling them to address critical challenges and develop targeted strategies to reduce early marriage prevalence in Nepal.
Keywords: Age at first marriage, analysis of covariance, determinants, multiple classification
analysis, women.
Note: Recommended full view to read. Please click above icon like this one 
You can also download PDF if there is any difficulty to read or trouble with loading PDF.
License
© Central Department of Statistics, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
The author of article must sign the copyright permission or the author must assign copyright to the Central Department of Statistics, Tribhuvan University prior to publication.
All rights reserved.