Bringing an end to the silence: identifying priorities and solutions to addressing the mental health consequences of child marriage.

Journal: Health policy and planning

Volume: 38

Issue: 4

Year of Publication: 2023

Affiliated Institutions:  Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, WCN EH, UK. Rozaria Memorial Trust, Murewea, Zimbabwe. Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, WT BN, UK. Women's University in Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract summary 

Despite its inclusion in Sustainable Development Goal 5 to end all harmful gendered practices by 2030, child, early and forced marriages continue to be a pervasive problem globally. While there is consistent evidence on the physical health consequences of child marriage, there is a lack of evidence and inquiry into the mental health consequence. We completed a change-oriented Delphi study to establish consensus on priority areas of research and intervention in relation to the mental health consequences of child, early and forced marriages. Invited experts (n = 11), survivors (n = 27) and professionals (n = 30) participated in our Delphi. Four rounds of data collection included: a blended in-person and online workshop with invited experts, an online mixed-methods questionnaire, focus groups in Zimbabwe with women who are survivors of child marriage and a repeat questionnaire sent to the first round of experts. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ranking methods, consistent with other Delphi studies. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic network analysis. Findings coalesced around three areas: perspectives on the relationship between mental health and child marriage, policy actions and treatment-driven solutions. Consensus was reached on 16 items across these areas which included the need to prioritize psychosocial and social interventions to improve mental health outcomes for women and girls in existing marriages. They also called for new approaches to advocacy to drive awareness of this issue in policy circles. Implications for future practice are discussed.

Authors & Co-authors:  Burgess Rochelle A RA Sheibani Farah F Kelly Isabelle I Jeffery Mairi M Gumbonzvanda Farirai F Lewis Gemma G Ashraf Asma A Connor Cristianne C Mombeshora Solomon S Gumbonzvanda Nyaradzayi N

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Abimbola S. 2021. The uses of knowledge in global health. BMJ Global Health 6: e005802.
Authors :  10
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1093/heapol/czad006
SSN : 1460-2237
Study Population
Women,Girls
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Child marriage;adolescent health;change-oriented Delphi;early marriage;mental health
Study Design
Descriptive Study
Study Approach
,Quantitative,Qualitative
Country of Study
Zimbabwe
Publication Country
England