Title: Rural-urban differences in health and wellbeing among women in early marriage: evidence from Khulna, Bangladesh

Authors: Mahadi Hasan Bappy; Sajib Chowdhury; Sharmin Akter Keya

Addresses: Darshana Government College, Chuadanga, Ministry of Education, Dhaka, Bangladesh ' Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Dhaka, Bangladesh ' Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology (AUST), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract: This study explores rural-urban disparities in health and well-being among women in early marriage in Khulna division, Bangladesh. Data are collected from 718 respondents across four randomly selected districts using a multistage sampling technique. Health and well-being is assessed through various health issues in relation to socio-demographic, household, marital and psychological factors of women. Statistical analyses, including parametric (t-tests), non-parametric (chi-squared tests) and regression models, are employed to explore research objective. Findings reveal that urban women exhibit better health conditions and psychological well-being. Noticeably, rural women report higher incidences of domestic violence. Regression result indicates factors including education, household income and marriage decision-making autonomy, significantly influence these disparities. Notably, women's education is positively correlated with improved psychological resilience and lower domestic violence. Interestingly, husband' 's higher education is observed paradoxically correlated with increased domestic violence, reflecting entrenched patriarchal norms. Policymakers should address early marriage issue to improve welfare of female population.

Keywords: early marriage; domestic violence; psychological well-being; rural-urban difference; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2025.152641

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2025 Vol.10 No.1, pp.24 - 44

Received: 15 Jun 2025
Accepted: 06 Oct 2025
Published online: 01 Apr 2026 *

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