Reproductive and Sexual Health Consequences of Child Marriage: A Review of literature

Background & aim: Child marriage, which defined as a formal marriage or informal union before the age of 18 years, occurs widely throughout the world. Child marriage directly impacts girls’ education, reproductive and sexual health, as well as psychological well-being. In this regard, the current review was conducted to examine the reproductive and sexual health consequences of child marriage. Methods: This review was conducted by searching the scientific databases including PubMed and Google Scholar as well as websites of various international organizations active in reproductive health issues between 1946 and 2018. Key words for searching included "Child marriage ", "early marriage ","sexual health", "reproductive health", and "maternal mortality ". Published articles and also publications of International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) were reviewed. Results: Child marriage as a result of poverty has many adverse consequences on reproductive and sexual health of girls. These include death during childbirth, physical and sexual violence, isolation, depression, cervical cancer and risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Teen pregnant women are at high risk of preterm birth as well as neonatal death more than other women. Conclusion: Girls' marriage at an early age can increase the risk of sexual and reproductive complications. Therefore, training programs should be implemented to increase the awareness of society, parents, and religious leaders, to empower girls in this regard.