RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADOLESCENT PERCEPTION AND EARLY MARRIAGE INCIDENTS IN SETUPATOK VILLAGE, MUNDU REGENCY

Early marriage is a marriage carried out by individuals under the age of
19. This phenomenon is still a serious problem in Setupatok Village, Mundu
District. Adolescent perceptions of early marriage are one of the factors that can
influence the decision to marry at a young age. This study aims to determine the
relationship between adolescent perceptions and the incidence of early marriage in
Setupatok Village, Mundu District.
The research method used is quantitative with a cross-sectional research
design. The research sample was 82 respondents selected using the proportional
random sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires and
analyzed using the chi-square statistical test.
The results showed that 67 adolescents (81.7%) had a good perception of
early marriage, while 15 adolescents (18.3%) had a bad perception. The incidence
of early marriage in Setupatok Village was recorded as 64 adolescents (78.0%) had
married at an early age, while 18 adolescents (22.0%) were not married. Statistical
tests showed a significant relationship between adolescent perceptions and the
incidence of early marriage (p-value = 0.000; p <0.05).
The results of this study are expected to contribute to efforts to prevent early
marriage by increasing adolescent awareness of the impact of marriage at a young
age. Reproductive health education and counseling are strategic steps in changing
adolescent perceptions of early marriage.