Table 4 Perceptions on child marriage acceptability (n = 1000)

A girl is ready for marriage once she starts menstruating

1.0

15.3

3.4

4.3

6.5

61.2

8.3

There are advantages to the marriage of girls under 18 years

0.9

9.1

4.6

4.3

7.2

65.8

8.1

There are disadvantages for girls getting married under 18 years

16.3

59.8

4.8

3.5

5.0

8.8

1.8

Marrying girls can help protect family honour/reputation

1.2

17.4

7.6

4.6

11.1

52.6

5.5

Girls who give birth between 15 and 18 years are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy/baby

1.0

11.9

4.7

10.6

11.5

52.1

8.2

Marrying girl young can help resolve financial problems in the family

1.3

10.2

6.2

4.1

10.1

61.0

7.1

Marrying young girls can help provide them security

1.0

13.8

8.5

4.2

12.1

55.1

5.3

Early marriage of girls can help prevent sexual violence, assault, and harassment

0.9

15.7

10.3

5.4

12.9

49.5

5.3

Early marriage of boys can help prevent sexual violence, assault, and harassment

1.3

16.7

8.8

5.3

4.8

50.8

4.8

Marrying under 18 years is likely to have a negative impact on a girl education

22.4

61.2

3.2

2.8

3.3

7.0

0.1

Marrying a young girl is preferable because younger brides are more obedient and respectful of their husbands

1.7

14.2

7.5

8.5

13.0

50.7

4.4

Even if a girl does not want to be married, she should honour the decisions/wishes of her family

4.2

21.7

7.7

5.6

10.1

46.2

4.5

Younger brides require a lower dowry than older brides

1.6

10.8

5.1

13.6

13.3

52.0

3.6

A girl should never be forced or compelled into marriage

27.2

57.1

2.7

3.0

3.1

5.6

1.3

It is sometimes okay to beat or punish a girl when he dishonours her family

1.8

19.5

8.8

3.7

10.2

48.7

7.3

A wife should be subservient to her husband

31.9

59.5

1.7

2.1

2.5

1.9

0.4

Men should be the heads of their household

35.8

56.4

1.5

2.5

1.8

1.5

0.5