Effects of Socio-Economic and Demographic Variables on Age at First Marriage in Bangladesh

Age at first marriage is a most important factor in population dynamics as it affects fertility tremendously and mortality and migration to a lesser extent. Marriage is nearly universal everywhere in Bangladesh. Age at first marriage has a strong influence on a variety of demographic, social and economic factors. Early marriage is more common matter among the poorest women in Bangladesh than women from wealthy families. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of socio-economic and demographic variables on age at first marriage in Bangladesh. For this, Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2007 data is used in this study. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis has been used to utilize the data. In logistics analysis, these results suggest that education, division, religion, occupation and partner occupation have highly significant effects on age at first marriage in Bangladesh. It is pointed out that education is one of the most viable means for enhancing the status of women as well as for rising age at first marriage in Bangladesh.