Authors

1 Professor of Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery and, Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Depertment of Midwifery, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran,

3 Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

4 PhD Candidate in Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The family is one of the important social institutions and the function of childbearing
is one of the important functions of the family. The decision to have children depends on the
individual’s attitude about the consequences of having another child and their perceived norms.
Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between attitudes toward fertility
and childbearing and the value of children with attitudes toward fertility control in married women
aged 15 to 45 years in Isfahan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross‑sectional correlational study that was
performed on 500 married women with at least one child in health centers affiliated to Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences. Data collection tools in this study were standard questionnaires.
The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22.
RESULTS: The mean score of attitude toward fertility control was 40.43 ± 9.03. The area of security
in old age and the area of procrastination had the highest mean values of children and attitudes
toward fertility and childbearing, respectively. Analysis of data by Spearman test showed that there
is a significant relationship between all dimensions of child value and attitudes toward fertility and
childbearing with attitudes toward fertility control (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: A positive attitude toward the child increases the likelihood of having children and
believing in the negative impact of the child on freedom reduces the likelihood of having a desire
for fertility. Changing attitudes of societies toward childbearing and less desire to have children
should not be sought only in material, economic, or social reasons but also cultural factors should
be considered in this area.

Keywords

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