The Relationship of Socio-Demographic Factors, Fertility Behavior and Child’s Perceived Value with Fertility

BACKGROUND Fertility intention is one of the strongest predictors of couple's fertility behavior that is affected by many variables. This study aimed to identify the relationship of socio-demographic factors, fertility behavior, and child's perceived value with fertility intention of women in a region in the east Iran. METHODS In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 241 married women aged between 15 and 49 years of Torbat Heydariyeh City in 2015, were studied. The data collection scales included a demographic information form, fertility information questionnaire and Trommsdorff's child value questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 by Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, t-independent test and logistic regression. The significance level of P<0.05 was considered. RESULTS Most of the subjects (52.7%) had no fertility intention. Independent-samples test and Kruskal-Wallis revealed significant differences in fertility intention with the subject's age, mate's age, number of children and costs of children (P=0.001). In addition, in subjects with children of both sexes, intention for childbearing was significantly lower when compared to subjects with only one sex in children (P=0.001). However, when the logistic regression test was performed, being housewife, number of children, having children of both sexes, benefit and costs of children showed statistical significance (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The results indicate that being housewife, number of current children, having children of both sexes, and perceived childbearing costs are important in determining the odds that a woman will intend to have a child. These findings can contribute to the realization of new population programs towards higher fertility rate in the country.