PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MENTAL HEALTH AMONG WOMEN WHO EXPERIENCED CHILD MARRIAGE IN SABAH

Abstract

Child marriage remains a significant public health and human rights issue. Women with a history of child marriage are vulnerable to adverse psychological outcomes, including depression, anxiety and mental health issues due to disrupted education, limited autonomy and social disadvantage. Social support is widely recognised as a protective factor that buffers the adverse effects of stress and enhances resilience. However, its association with mental health in this population remains understudied, particularly in geographical barriers and cultural traditions. This study examined the association between social support and mental health among 107 married women aged 18-30 who were married before the age of 18 in Tawau, Sabah. Social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, while mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire. Overall, 50.5% of respondents have moderate social support, 39.3% have high social support, and 10.3% report low social support. Findings showed a highly significant association between low social support and poor mental health outcomes (B=-3.19, p <0.004), even after adjusting for age, education, income and marital duration. This study highlights the crucial role of social support in improving mental health outcomes among women affected by child marriage. Strengthening community-based support networks and integrating psychosocial services may help mitigate the psychological consequences of child marriage. By identifying social support as a modifiable determinant of mental health, this study provides evidence to support culturally appropriate interventions, strengthen community-based mental health programmes, and inform policies aimed at improving the long-term mental health of women affected by child marriage.