A study on early marriages and pregnancy health in the South-Eastern region of Türkiye

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to determine the attitudes of women who were married at an early age in their region towards such marriages and their experiences related to pregnancies.

Methods: The data for the study were collected through the implementation of a semi-structured interview form, and the "deductive content analysis technique" was used to analyze the data. The study was conducted using a phenomenological design from qualitative research methods.

Results: Four main themes were obtained in the study. Theme 1 The process leading to early marriages: Women are married off with the decision of the family and the support of their relatives, and mostly without having met each other. Theme 2 The course of marriage: The first day of marriage is considered frightening, and the responsibilities of the house are burdened on a girl child. Theme 3 Pregnancies: Women report health problems due to the fact that they are still children themselves, and their bodies are not suitable for a pregnancy. Theme 4: Childcare: Women experience problems related to their inexperience and financial problems in caring for children, and at the same time, they do not want their children's future to be like theirs. Theme 5: Cultural process leading to early marriages: Women state that early marriage is a traditional and cultural problem and that this situation is considered normal and should be.

Conclusion: The factors that influence the decision to enter into early marriage include family decisions and cultural norms. In addition to the challenges associated with marriage, women express a desire for their children to have access to more advantageous educational opportunities.

Keywords: Culture; Early marriage; Geography; Tradition; Women.