Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

The effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on childbearing intentions in married women of reproductive age in Aq Qala, Iran: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Khatibeh Khajavipour 1
Mansureh Alipour 1
Rakhshani Mohammad Hassan 1
Hamid Joveini 1
zahra keyvanlo 2
Masoumeh Hashemian 1
1 Department of Health Education, School of Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar
2 Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
10.22038/jmrh.2026.92652.2823
Abstract
Background & aim: Declining fertility rates in Iran pose demographic challenges. This study evaluated the effect of a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) educational intervention on childbearing intentions among married women of reproductive age in Aq Qala City.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted from September to November 2024 in Aq Qala. A total of 88 married women aged 15–49 years were selected through multistage random sampling and randomly allocated to intervention (n=44) and control (n=44) groups. Data were collected using a researcher-developed TPB-based questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. The intervention group received three 60-minute educational sessions over one month, while the control group received routine care. Inclusion criteria included being married, reproductive age, having at least one living child, and willingness to participate. Pregnant women or those missing more than one session were excluded. Longitudinal analysis using generalized estimating equations was performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and RStudio 4.5.1.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 35.38 ± 5.94 years. Childbearing intention significantly increased in the intervention group from baseline to month 1 and was higher than the control group (P < .001). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated significant effects of time (P < .001), baseline attitude (P=.035), and baseline intention (P < .001) on childbearing intention. These findings confirmed the effectiveness of TPB-based education in improving reproductive intentions overall.
Conclusion: TPB-based educational intervention significantly improved childbearing intention among women of reproductive age. Integrating TPB-based educational programs into routine reproductive health services may support fertility-related decision-making.
Keywords
childbearing Intention, Reproductive Behavior, Theory of Planned Behavior, Married Women, Education  
Subjects
Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 October 2026