SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND THE RISK OF EARLY MARRIAGE AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN INDONESIA

Wulan Ramadhani (Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University)
Sigit Ari Saputro (Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University)
Chofifah Ayu Kusumaningtyas (Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University)
Wildan Satrio Darmawan (Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University)
Galuh Pramesti Cintani Aisha (Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University)
Miranda Zannuba Qotrunnada (Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University)
Nurul Fitriyah (Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University)

Jurnal Manajemen Kesehatan Indonesia
Vol 14, No 2 (2026): Agustus 2026

 Early marriage remains a significant global issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of early marriage and identify associated factors among women of reproductive age in Indonesia. The study utilized secondary data from the 2020 Indonesia Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) survey. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17, with a weighted sample of 7,820 participants. Weighted prevalence of early marriage was 23.26%. Early marriage was significantly associated with residing in rural areas (aOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.71–2.24), having primary or lower educational attainment (aOR: 3.21; 95% CI: 2.81–3.67), and having lower wealth index groups (aOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.25–1.94). Strengthening public health education through implementing health interventions such as counseling for youth, was suggested to reduce the prevalence of early marriage. The involvement of public health regulations, alongside stakeholders, parents and families as primary decision-makers, was necessary to enhance the effectiveness of the program.Keywords:  Early marriage, socioeconomic, women