Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
MSc in Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
PhD, Global and Women’s Health, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
3
MSc in Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4
MSc in counseling in Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5
PhD student in Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
6
Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2024.72106.2110
Abstract
Background & aim: The motivation of childbearing is the starting point and precedes the desires, the desired number of children, and the time of having children. Consequently, alterations in motivations can influence individual desires and behaviors, especially in light of population growth policies and the importance of childbearing, making it crucial to understand fertility motivation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the motivation of childbearing and fertility preferences among female students at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: In 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 qualified single female students at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was done employing the convenience method. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Miller Childbearing Questionnaire (1995), and Miller Reproductive Preference Questionnaire (1995). Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software (version 16). Pvalue of ≤ 0. 05 was considered significant.
Results: The average age of students was 24.15±2.7, and their average desire to have children was 4.46±2.52 (on a scale of 1-10). There was strong association between positive motivation of childbearing and fertility preferences (p<0.01), with an average desired number of children being 2.03±1.02. The study found a significant correlation (p<0.01) between the desired number of children and the desired birth time of the first child, Among the negative motivations for childbearing, fear of parenthood and challenges of childcare were significantly associated with a less desire for childbearing (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Planning to create and strengthen positive motivations in youth and pre-marriage individuals may help achieve desirable fertility levels in society.
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