Factors affecting childbearing intention in women employees in Birjand: Application of the theory of planned behavior

BACKGROUND: Childbearing is one of the most important determinants of population fluctuations. Identifying factors affecting childbearing is necessary for the proper implementation of population programs. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting childbearing intention among women employees in Birjand based on the theory of planned behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive-correlational study, 405 women employees in the offices of Birjand city in 2022 were selected by stratified random sampling and completed a two-part questionnaire including demographic information and questions related to the theory of planned behavior. The data were analyzed using SPSS v19 and Pearson's correlation, logistic regression, independent t-test, and ANOVA. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants in the study was 37.82 +/- 6.39 years and the mean number of current children was 1.77 +/- 0.92. The mean score of childbearing intention was 8.80 +/- 3.06, the attitude was 66.04 +/- 11.50, the subjective norm was 27.03 +/- 6.95, and perceived behavioral control was 32.90 +/- 7.80. Also, there was a significant negative and direct relationship between all the constructs of the theory of planned behavior and childbearing intention (P < 0.01). The variables of age, the number of current children, and the ideal number of children were predictors of childbearing intention. According to the standardized beta coefficients, the strongest predictor of intention was the number of current children (beta = -0.464). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that various demographic factors are efficient in childbearing intention. The findings of this study can provide a picture of the current situation of factors affecting childbearing intention in society and be used as a guide for policymakers in fertility planning.