Sexual and reproductive health issues of Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands

To identify factors that influence aspects of sexual and reproductive health behaviour, such as contraceptive use and teenage pregnancies, among Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands.

This socio-cultural review compares data from demographic surveys and opinion studies. The explanation for the trends found in these data was sought in the differences between the cultural backgrounds of immigrant and host populations, and in the socio-cultural changes that people undergo after immigration.

In the Netherlands, 2.3% of the population are first- and second-generation Turkish immigrants. These people often originate from more traditional or underdeveloped rural areas in Eastern and Southern Turkey. Reproductive behaviour in the Netherlands differs greatly from that in Eastern and Southern Turkey, especially with regard to the use of contraception, abortion and the age at which women have children. These differences are largely the result of community-bound sets of opinions and role patterns.

After immigration, the acculturation process will lead to a change in behaviour. During this process conflicts in relationships will arise within and between first- and second generation Turkish immigrants. These conflicts are particularly evident within the second generation that grew up in the Netherlands. These persons have adopted a number of opinions prevailing in the host country but, at the same time, cling to various traditional values. Second-generation Turkish women seem to adapt faster to the new culture than their male counterparts.