Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
2ND INTERNATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCES CONGRESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY || CONGRESS, Aydın, Türkiye, 5 - 07 Kasım 2025, ss.1364-1370, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
ABSTRACT
Adolescent pregnancy is a phenomenon that negatively affects an individual’s physical, psychological,
and social development, while also producing significant consequences for society and health policies.
In Turkey, pregnancies at a young age, particularly within the 15–19 age group, pose risks to both
maternal and child health. Major health risks associated with early motherhood include low birth
weight, preterm birth, pregnancy complications, and issues such as growth retardation in the child. In
addition, adolescent pregnancies can interrupt young girls’ educational trajectories and limit their
opportunities for social participation. Although adolescent pregnancy rates in Turkey have generally
declined over the years, high rates are still observed in certain regions. A regional analysis reveals that
rates of early-age childbirth are higher in the eastern and southeastern provinces, and risks increase
among young women living in rural areas and those of low socioeconomic status. This situation is
closely related to sociodemographic factors such as education level, income status, and access to
health services. Research emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health policies, community
awareness initiatives, and counseling services in preventing adolescent pregnancies. In regions where
early pregnancy is prevalent, targeted interventions can be supported by increasing young girls’ access
to education and health services, as well as through community awareness efforts. By presenting an
overview of adolescent pregnancies in Turkey, this study aims to provide a current database for future
policy development and intervention strategies.
Keywords: Adolescent pregnancy, Turkey, fertility, public