The Incidence of Consanguıneous Marriages and Affecting Factors in Women Aged 15-49 Years in Aydın, Turkey

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of consanguineous marriages and affecting factors in women aged 15-49 years in Aydın, Turkey.

Method: This is a cross-sectional study including 310 married women aged 15-49 years. Data were collected with a questionnaire composed of 53 questions at face to face interviews at home visits between 15 October 2008 and 15 January 2009. Obtained data were analyzed with numbers, percentages, mean and Chi-square test. p < 0.05 was considered signifi cant.

Results: All of the women included in the study, 23.9% (n=74) had consanguineous marriage. Out of these women, 45.9% were married to their fi rst degree cousins, 24.3% were married to their second degree cousins and 29.8% were married to their remote relatives. Low education levels, not having a job providing income, having an extended family, living in the rural areas and young age at the fi rst marriage increased the tendency for consanguineous marriages. Conclusion: The study showed a high rate of consanguineous marriages, and a relation between consanguineous marriages and education, income, family type, place of residence and age at fi rst marriage. It can be recommended that women should be provided with economic freedom and education so that the rate of consanguineous marriages can be reduced