Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
MSc of Midwifery, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2
Trauma Nursing Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
3
MSc of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2026.88806.2688
Abstract
Background & aim: Developed societies have been grappling with population aging and declining fertility rates, prompting Iran to implement policies aimed at increasing fertility. However, research on fertility desire among women of reproductive age in Iran, remained limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate fertility desire and its related factors in women of reproductive age in Kashan, Iran
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 women of reproductive age in Kashan, Iran, between 2023 and 2024, using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire: demographic characteristics, fertility desire, fertility health awareness, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression in SPSS (version 24).
Results: The mean score for participants’ fertility desire was 44.9±7.2 (22-61). There was a significant difference in fertility desire scores based on age, age at marriage, participants and spouses’ employment status, participants and spouses’ educational levels, economic status, and number of pregnancies. Linear regression analysis showed that age) P<0.001), self-assessment of economic status) P<0.001), fertility health awareness) P<0.001), and perceived social support) P=0.003) predicted and explained 29% of the variance in fertility desire (R^2=0.29).
Conclusion: Approximately two-thirds of the women reported a moderate fertility desire. These findings offer policymakers and fertility specialists valuable insight into the key determinants of women’s fertility intentions. Improving fertility health awareness, social support, and economic conditions may contribute to promoting a younger population structure in Iran.
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