Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Occupational safety and Health Research Center, NICICO, World Safety Organization and Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
5
Assistant Professor, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
6
Assistant Professor, Humanistic School, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2024.68548.2009
Abstract
Background & Aims: The rapid decline in fertility rates, and the disruption of the age pyramid balance could cause irreparable economic and social damage. This study aimed to determine the relationship between some important demographic and socio-economic factors and couples' fertility attitudes.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on the married men and women (512 participants), who referred to the healthcare centers in urban and rural areas of Rafsanjan, Iran from March to July 2022. The study population was selected via cluster sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to assess their attitude towards childbearing, which was completed on a self-report basis. The attitude score were compared using the Independent Sample T-test and one-way ANOVA test.
Results: More than 50% of people agreed that having children is very important in their life, and 10% preferred to live without children. The results showed that the score of attitude towards childbearing was higher in rural areas (P = 0.028). The difference was also higher in women and in people with lower living costs. Having more daughters as well as lower marital age (r = 0.024) was accompanied by a higher score of attitude towards childbearing (r = 0.014).
Conclusion: This study showed that although the majority of respondents wanted to have children, but they believed that other conditions including improvement in economic status and income, and future job opportunities for their children must be provided.
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