A comparative study of socio-demographic characteristics of divorced women and married women in Kano, northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Divorce remains a significant global psychosocial challenge, with particularly profound implications in developing nations. The complex interplay of socio-demographic, economic, and cultural factors contributes to marital dissolution, especially in northern Nigeria's unique social context.

Aim: To identify the differences in socio-demographic characteristics between divorced and married women in Kano, northern Nigeria, exploring factors associated with divorce.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 divorced women from the Association of Divorced and Widows of Kano State and 150 age-matched married women from Sayyida Khadija Islamiyya School. Participants were recruited using systematic sampling. Socio-demographic data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16.

Results: The mean ages of the divorced and married participants were 35.02 years (SD±13.41) and 33.63 years (SD±9.24) respectively, while the age range of the participants was 15 to 60 years. In univariate analysis, having western education less than secondary school level (O.R 1.6; 1.0 – 2.5), having Islamic education less than 4 years (O.R 3.9; 2.1 – 7.1), early age at first marriage (O.R 1.6; 1.1 – 2.5), having fewer number of living children (O.R 1.7; 1.1 – 2.7), higher amount of monthly income (O.R 2.5; 1.5 – 3.8), having young husband (O.R 2.5; 1.2 – 5.2), and having sexual satisfaction with the husband (O.R 3.5; 1.8 – 6.6) were all positively associated with a divorced status. Key distinguishing factors between divorced and married women included: lower levels of western and Islamic education, younger age at first marriage, fewer living children, higher monthly income, and lower sexual satisfaction. Multivariable analysis revealed that western education below secondary level and sexual dissatisfaction were the most significant predictors of divorce status.

Conclusions: The study highlights the complex interactions between education, age, economic status, and marital satisfaction in determining divorce risks, particularly in the context of northern Nigerian society. There is need for all relevant stakeholders to be aware of these risk factors in order to reduce the rate of divorce in northern Nigeria.