Determinants of Marital Satisfaction in Woldia Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Although marriage is one of the most important and fundamental human relationships, there are various elements affecting marital satisfaction. This study has examined the level and determinants of marital satisfaction in Woldia town, Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional study design, the data were collected from 406 randomly selected married couples (55.2% males and 44.8% females). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and predict their effect on marital satisfaction. The key findings showed that the majority (67.7%) of spouses were satisfied with their marital relations. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that marital satisfaction has significant (p<0.05) positive relationship with sex (AOR=4.64;95% CI: 1.16,18.62), first-time marriage (AOR=9.03;95%CI:1.67,48.68), family monthly income (AOR=8.35; 95%CI:1.35,51.55), religious marriage (AOR=20.73;95%CI:1.14,375.85), and religious similarity (AOR=12.44;95%CI:2.32,66.68). On the other hand, duration in marriage (AOR=.11; 95%CI: .02, .57), premarital cohabitation (AOR=.08; 95%CI: 01, 0.67), and premarital sex (AOR=.03; 95%CI: .01, .20) showed negative significant relationship with marital satisfaction. Spouse’s age, spousal age difference, level of education, having a child, and income provider of the family showed no statistically significant association (p>0.05) with marital satisfaction. The study recommends that effective preventive and intervention strategies are needed for building healthy marriage and family environment.