Child Marriage and Its Adverse Consequences Against Wellness Promotion in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper x-rayed child marriage and its adverse consequences. Child marriage perpetuates as cultural and traditional means of protecting the girl-child against the fear of rape, pre-marital sex and unwanted pregnancies. Unwholesome traditions, culture, religion, gender discrimination, poverty and weak legislative framework contribute to child marriage despite its numerous social, economic and adverse health consequences against wellness promotion. Child marriage is widely practiced in Nigeria most especially in the Northern states. But the practice is against the Child's Right Act. Its health consequences include mental disorders as post-delivery depression and puerperal psychosis; women's disempowerment, adverse pregnancies/child birth complications like perennial lacerations and vesico vaginal fistula, high rate of sexually transmitted infections as well as lack of marital satisfaction. Therefore, total eradication of this harmful practice is highly desirable.