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Early marriage and maternal health care utilisation: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Li, Chuhui
  • Cheng, Wenli
  • Shi, Hui

Abstract

We use the recursive bivariate probit (RBVP) model to estimate the effects of early marriage on the utilisation of maternal health services in five sub-Saharan countries: Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Chad. Based on recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), we find that a woman who married before age 15 was 17 percentage points less likely to use prenatal services; and marrying before age 16 reduced that likelihood by 9.6 percentage points. We have not found any statistically significant reduction in maternal health care utilisation for women who married at age 17 or older.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Chuhui & Cheng, Wenli & Shi, Hui, 2021. "Early marriage and maternal health care utilisation: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:43:y:2021:i:c:s1570677x21000794
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2021.101054
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Early marriage; Maternal health care utilisation; Recursive bivariate probit model; Sub-Saharan Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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