Age of Marriage and Reproductive Outcome among Young Iranian and Migarnt Arghan Women in Is fahan, Iran

This paper explores the impact of age of marriage on reproductive strategies among young Iranian and migrant Afghan women . Promoting later age at marriage is an important aspect of family planning programs . Yet , it is often assumed that women who are younger (between 12 and 18) at the age of marriage will necessarily have more offspring than those who are married later in life (later than 20) . However , public health and family planning education can have a dramatic affect on limiting the numbers of Children , even among young women, when this education is consistent with religious beliefs , For the purposes of this study , comparisons were made based on ethnic/cultural identity (Afghan and Iranian ) , locality ( rural / urban ) and religious affiliation (Shi' a / Sunni) , in order to explore the various factors that influence age of marriage and reproductive outcome. This qualitative study took place in two areas where both Iranians and Afghan refugees reside : one of the older , poorer sections of urban Isfahan and a village approximately 40 kilometers outside of Isfahan , Iran , but still in Isfahan province . Several interviews were in a semi – structured , open – ended format , allowing information to respong to questions in their own words . This method is typically used in anthropological research, where the investigator is interested in finding our local meanings , idioms , and concerns.