The Marriage Transitions in Malawi (MTM) project is a study in central Malawi, an area of the world marked by high mortality and deep economic uncertainty. One of the study’s broad goals is to understand what affects the timing of key life events, such as leaving school, having sex for the first time, and getting married. The study also aims to identify whether and how – at this late stage of Malawi’s HIV epidemic – socio-economic conditions, gender, and other social locations affect a person’s risk of acquiring HIV. 

Design Overview

The MTM study began collecting data from a sample of 1, 183 young women and men, aged 13-25, in 60 communities in the district of Salima, located east of the capital Lilongwe and bordering Lake Malawi. Surveys are conducted with "core" respondents and with heads of households. HIV biomarker data have been collected at two rounds. Three sets of in-depth interviews have been conducted, two with core respondents, and one with community leaders. Market and health facility information in the study site are collected yearly. Finally, the MTM study tracks respondents who’ve moved within the country (which is by far most). MTM's schedule and activities are:

1.       Household Surveys are administered annually for three years (2007, 2008, 2009).  Data are collected from household heads on household-level characteristics, and at the individual-level, from "core" respondents. Once core respondents marry, data are collected from new spouse/s.

2.      Partnership Interviews (PIs) are administered roughly six months following each Household Survey. Two rounds of PIs have been conducted (in early 2008, and in early 2009). The PIs collect detailed information on five areas: formation and dissolution of unions; marriage characteristics; exchange between partners; social capital; and economic shocks.

3.      Community, market price, and health facility questionnaires are administered annually, alongside the Household Surveys (2007, 2008, 2009).