Family Relations and Reproductive Health through Early Marriage for University Girls: A Comparative Study of Egyptian and Saudi Society

Abstract

This study examined the association between family relations and reproductive health, and showed the importance of family relations and some socio-economic characteristics in their contribution to improve reproductive health, which helps married girls at an early age to practice their life roles efficiently. Survey data drawn from the 400 girls (N = 200 in Egypt & 200 in Saudi Arabia). The measures of study were demographic data form for girls, family relations questionnaire and reproductive health questionnaire. Results indicated that there were positive correlation between family relations and reproductive health in Egypt & Saudi Arabia. The structure of family relations and reproductive health related to study type (practical and theoretical) revealed that there were no differences between girls in each of family relations and reproductive health in Egypt & Saudi Arabia. The structure of family relations and reproductive health related to region (Egypt & Saudi Arabia) revealed that there were differences between girls in reproductive health for the benefit of Saudi girls. The linear model analyses revealed that in Egypt the independent variables (relation with children, husband's education, number of family members, age when marriage and relation with neighbors) were able to explain (73.4%) of changes in degree of reproductive health, but in Saudi Arabia (husband's education, relation with children, current age, relation with wife's family and family relations) were able to explain (27.1%) of changes in degree of reproductive health.

Key Words: early marriage, family health, family relations, reproductive health.