Understanding Marital Quality and Health of Young Women in Pakistan: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Approximately 6% of the global burden of disease and injury is accounted for by adolescents, and women who are married at this age are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Previous studies on early marriage in Pakistan have primarily focused on reproductive health issues among young married women. The purpose of this study was to look into mental health by studying the role of marital quality, and socio-demographic characteristics that could also influence physical, maternal, and reproductive health domains. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the quality of married life and the general health of women who married during adolescence and explore their experiences. The research adopted an explanatory sequential mixed method design which recruited 93 women aged 19-30, who got married between the ages of 14-22, using snowball sampling. Among these participants, 3 women experiencing low marital quality and mental health were recruited for qualitative interviews. Results indicate a significant association between marital quality and the mental health of women married at a young age. The thematic analysis further gave insight into the factors contributing to their marital quality and health challenges, as well as perceptions associated with early marriage and the coping styles of these women within the context of Pakistan. The study findings pave the way for early intervention that helps young women gain an accurate understanding of marriage roles, adopt realistic expectations, and improve social skills to reduce risks of relationship distress and promote their mental and physical well being.