An important female child and woman problem: Child marriages.

The aim of this study is to define the reasons of early and forced marriages in our country, determine the place of early marriage in national and international legislations and find the frequency of the situation. Also discuss the prevention interventions with public health view. In the study, the scientific literature on early marriages were reviewed, in conjunction with reports, regulations and practices global and country level. From this evidence-based recommendations on child/woman health promotion were developed from the perspective of public health. In the literature, there are numerous studies on health effects of early marriages. Early marriages frequencies were between 30% and 35% in Turkey, however there is a difference according to regions, local social and cultural structure. Psikolojik and sensual development adversely affected when married at early ages. The children whose rights are taken will be negatively effected in their adulthood. The different interpretation at legislations in Turkey makes difficulties at commitments on early marriages and gives place to opinions which accepts early marriages. Early marriages are important child and woman problem in our society. Preventing of early marriages for whatever the reason is, solving social contradictions, raising awareness on the issue and governmental further proceeding on early marriages are necessary from the point of public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]