Factors contribute to early marriage among teenagers in rural areas in Kasulu District Council

The main objective of this study was to explore on factors contributing to early marriage among teenagers in rural areas in Kasulu District Council specifically Nyakitonto,Nyamnyusi,Buhoro and Nyachenda Wards. The methods used to get sample area which covered four wards of Kasulu rural,Buhoro, Nyakitonto, Nyachenda and Nyamnyusi included cluster sampling. Simple random sampling was used to get 100 respondents who were female and male representing others in these wards. Moreover purposive sampling was also used to get answers from District Executive Director and Ward Officers from the respective wards under the sampled area. Research instruments used to collect data were questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) whereby girls, district council Officers and Ward Officers were contacted to get the reality. Then factors which contribute to early marriage among teenagers in rural areas revealed to be; Inadequate sex education, Peer pressure, Conformity, Influence of mass media, Lack of transparence, Shame, Traditional milestone, Unemployment and Globalization. It is recommended that Government through the Ministry of health and social welfare and the ministry of Community development gender and children affairs may conduct programmes in both rural and urban areas concerning early marriage and HIV/AIDS infections especially by addressing the factors which contribute to early marriage and also involving teenagers in decision making that can change community mind set to abandon that practice