KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PREVALENCE OF EARLY MARRIAGE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SASA, AKINYELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The practice of early marriage has persisted in some Nigerian tribes, despite its associated negative health effects. There is however inadequate information on adolescents‟ knowledge and attitude towards this practice. This study was therefore conducted to determine knowledge, attitude and the prevalence of early marriage among adolescents in Sasa, a multi-ethnic community in Akinyele Local Government Area Nigeria.

Using a three-stage sampling technique, 400 adolescents were recruited into this cross-sectional study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and prevalence of early marriage. Knowledge of early marriage and associated problems was assessed using a 15-item scale categorized as poor (