Volume 34, Issue 242 (2-2025)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2025, 34(242): 68-77 |
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Ghorbani S, Talebi S S. The Impact of Previous Childbirth Experiences on Future Childbearing Decisions in Mothers with One Child: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2025; 34 (242) :68-77
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21368-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21368-en.html
Abstract: (511 Views)
Background and purpose: Declining fertility rates and decreasing population growth are major challenges for the country. Numerous studies have been conducted to identify factors influencing this issue. One such factor is the childbirth experience. This research examines the relationship between previous childbirth experiences and fertility decisions in women with one child.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023-2024 on 400 women with one child covered by health centers in Shahrud. Health centers were selected from various city areas (northern, southern, eastern, western, and central) to represent the city's socio-economic diversity. Data were collected using standardized demographic, childbirth experience, and fertility decision-making questionnaires. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed in previous studies. The scoring of the questionnaires was based on the Likert scale, with fertility decision scores categorized into three levels: weak (29-69), moderate (70-100), and strong (101-150). Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression in SPSS version 25.
Results: The mean age of the women was 30.02 ± 5.48 years, their spouses' mean age was 34.31 ±4.90 years, the mean age at marriage was 7.37± 2.58 (???) years, and the mean age of the first child was 3.96±1.21 years. Of the participants, 42% had moderate childbearing intentions, 33% had strong intentions, and 25% had weak intentions. Regression analysis revealed that childbirth experience significantly impacted childbearing decisions (OR=1.34,P<0.001). Additionally, higher childbirth experience scores were associated with increased intentions to have more children (P<0.001). Other demographic variables showed no significant effect.
Conclusion: Childbirth experiences in women with one child play a significant role in the decision to have a second child. Positive experiences increase fertility desire, while negative experiences cause hesitation. Emotional support, education, and improved maternity care can strengthen fertility intentions and contribute to population policies.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023-2024 on 400 women with one child covered by health centers in Shahrud. Health centers were selected from various city areas (northern, southern, eastern, western, and central) to represent the city's socio-economic diversity. Data were collected using standardized demographic, childbirth experience, and fertility decision-making questionnaires. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed in previous studies. The scoring of the questionnaires was based on the Likert scale, with fertility decision scores categorized into three levels: weak (29-69), moderate (70-100), and strong (101-150). Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression in SPSS version 25.
Results: The mean age of the women was 30.02 ± 5.48 years, their spouses' mean age was 34.31 ±4.90 years, the mean age at marriage was 7.37± 2.58 (???) years, and the mean age of the first child was 3.96±1.21 years. Of the participants, 42% had moderate childbearing intentions, 33% had strong intentions, and 25% had weak intentions. Regression analysis revealed that childbirth experience significantly impacted childbearing decisions (OR=1.34,P<0.001). Additionally, higher childbirth experience scores were associated with increased intentions to have more children (P<0.001). Other demographic variables showed no significant effect.
Conclusion: Childbirth experiences in women with one child play a significant role in the decision to have a second child. Positive experiences increase fertility desire, while negative experiences cause hesitation. Emotional support, education, and improved maternity care can strengthen fertility intentions and contribute to population policies.
Keywords: previous childbirth experiences, childbearing decision, mothers with one child, cross-sectional study, fertility intentions
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
Midwifery
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