From School to Home: The Impact of Early Marriage on the Reproductive Health of Adolescent Girls

Abstract

In Indonesia, early marriage is still a big public health issues since it has a big effect on the reproductive, psychological, and social health of adolescent girls. This study uses a literature review method to analyze various studies related to the causes, impacts, and prevention strategies for early marriage. The results of the study show that education plays a major role, with adolescents with upper secondary education having a lower risk of early marriage. Conversely, low parental education levels and poor socioeconomic conditions are the main factors driving this practice. The impacts of early marriage include an increased risk of obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, hemorrhage, and premature birth, as well as psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety due to mental unpreparedness. In addition, early marriage limits access to education and economic opportunities, reinforces the cycle of poverty, and increases the risk of stunting in the next generation. Preventing early marriage requires cross-sectoral interventions involving education, health, and economic empowerment of adolescent girls. With an integrated and culturally sensitive approach, early marriage rates can be reduced so that the reproductive and social well-being of adolescent girls can improve sustainably.