Volume 36, Issue 257 (5-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 36(257): 66-73 |
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Mohebbi P, Salmani R, Maleki A, Ebrahimi L. The Effect of Group Life Skills Counseling on Fertility Intention Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 36 (257) :66-73
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21518-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21518-en.html
Abstract: (235 Views)
Background and purpose: Fertility intention is influenced by cultural norms, personal beliefs, and life skills. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of group life skills counseling on fertility intention among women of reproductive age.
Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted among 118 women of reproductive age attending comprehensive health centers in Khalkhal, Iran, in 2023. Participants were assigned to the intervention and control groups using block randomization with blocks of four. The intervention group received eight sessions of group life skills counseling. Fertility intention was assessed before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance at a 95% confidence level using SPSS version 24.
Results: In the intervention group, the mean fertility intention score increased from 37.01 before the intervention to 37.69 immediately after the intervention and to 38.79 at follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no change in the mean score across the three time points (35.47 before the intervention, 35.47 immediately after the intervention, and 35.47 at follow-up). Because no intervention was administered in the control group, individual-level score fluctuations were minimal and scattered, resulting in identical group means across the three assessment points. Accordingly, the mean difference in fertility intention between baseline and follow-up was 1.77 in the intervention group and 0 in the control group. However, the between-group comparison of this mean difference was not statistically significant (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: Group life skills counseling was associated with only a modest increase in women's fertility intention. Combining such interventions with approaches more directly related to childbearing and reproductive decision-making may have a greater impact on reproductive intentions.
Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted among 118 women of reproductive age attending comprehensive health centers in Khalkhal, Iran, in 2023. Participants were assigned to the intervention and control groups using block randomization with blocks of four. The intervention group received eight sessions of group life skills counseling. Fertility intention was assessed before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance at a 95% confidence level using SPSS version 24.
Results: In the intervention group, the mean fertility intention score increased from 37.01 before the intervention to 37.69 immediately after the intervention and to 38.79 at follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no change in the mean score across the three time points (35.47 before the intervention, 35.47 immediately after the intervention, and 35.47 at follow-up). Because no intervention was administered in the control group, individual-level score fluctuations were minimal and scattered, resulting in identical group means across the three assessment points. Accordingly, the mean difference in fertility intention between baseline and follow-up was 1.77 in the intervention group and 0 in the control group. However, the between-group comparison of this mean difference was not statistically significant (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: Group life skills counseling was associated with only a modest increase in women's fertility intention. Combining such interventions with approaches more directly related to childbearing and reproductive decision-making may have a greater impact on reproductive intentions.
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20201113049377N3)
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
Midwifery
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