The Effectiveness of Peer Information Toward a Change In Knowledge and Attitude Toward Child Marriage: Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Child marriage is a serious global problem because it can have negative consequences for children, families, and communities. Peer information has been regarded as one of the strategies for reducing a child's marriage, but few studies still evaluate its effectiveness. Objective: Hence, the study is done to evaluate the effectiveness of peer information in changing the knowledge and attitude toward child marriage. Methods: The study was done by conducting a systematic search of academic databases and a library list of relevant articles. Only 5 articles meet the criteria for inclusion used in analysis. The studies are carried out in 4 countries and peer information is presented through group meetings or discussion forums. Result: Research shows that peer information can increase knowledge and attitude toward child marriage. The study in Bangladesh indicates that those informed by peers have increased in knowledge and attitude toward child marriage. Other studies also show a significant increase in knowledge and attitude toward child marriage after obtaining information from peers. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that peer information is effective in transforming knowledge and attitudes toward child marriage and can be an effective alternative to reducing child marriage. However, available studies are still limited and further research will need to be done to evaluate the effectiveness of peer information in the long run. It will require collaboration between countries to implement effective interventions that reduce child marriages.