Determinants of Marriage Age among Women in Rural Manipur: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
This study investigates the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing the age at marriage among Manipuri women residing in rural areas. Conducted across four districts of Manipur – Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Bishnupur – the research involved a community-based survey of 1059 ever-married women who had given birth to at least one child. Data collection spanned from July 2019 to February 2019. Utilizing univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses, the study explores the association between age at marriage and various background variables. The mean age at marriage was found to be 22.19 years, with approximately 16.7% of women marrying before the age of 18. Results from logistic regressions highlight religion, educational level, and age at menarche as the most significant determinants of marriage age in Manipur. The findings of this study carry policy implications, offering insights for government planners and policymakers to formulate strategies aimed at raising the age at marriage among women in Manipur.
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