• C Onen and N U Ocal.
• Department of Nursing, Bitlis Eren University, Turkey.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2022 Jul 1; 25 (7): 1173-1179.

Background/AimEarly marriage is a preventable public health problem that brings along social and health problems as well. This study was performed to determine the views of adult married women, who live in the villages located in the central district of Bitlis which is situated in the eastern region of Turkey, on early marriage and compare their views with their perception of health.Subjects And MethodsAdult married women, who live in the villages located in the central district of Bitlis which is situated in the eastern region of Turkey, constitute the population of this cross-sectional study.ResultsCustoms and traditions, helping with household chores or agricultural tasks, and bride price are the main factors in preferring these marriages. It has been determined that age (r = 0.100; P = 0.047) and number of children (r = 0.153; P = 0.002) are positively related with health perception, albeit weakly. The median (score: 49) of women having five or more children is significantly higher than women (score: 45) with children in the range of 0-2.ConclusionWomen living in rural areas have a high rate of early marriage, and traditions and customs determine the decision to marry. Age and number of children were found to be positively correlated with perception of health, though weakly. Increasing the perception of health before and during the initial years of marriage could help in preventing many adverse effects that are caused by early marriage. With the increase in age and number of children, women might seek more health. This can increase women's health perception.

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