Conclusion
Using nationally representative data from India, this study examined
whether early marriage and early childbearing play a role in risk of
hysterectomy during later life. By demonstrating a robust link between
marriage before the age of 18 years, childbearing by the age of 19
years, and later-life risk of hysterectomy, this study expands the
growing literature on the long-term health consequences of girl child
marriage and subsequent adolescent childbearing.19-21Taken together, findings from the current study, not only reiterate the
ongoing call to prevent child marriage but emphasize the need for
secondary and tertiary prevention strategies addressing adequate
gynecologic care for women who experienced marriage and/or childbearing
at an early age, particularly in low resource settings. Future funding
research is warranted to strategize appropriate policies aimed at
providing needed healthcare services and support to these women.