Comparing Factors Influencing Fertility Desire Among Urban and Rural Families Referring to Healthcare Centers in Ferdows, Iran, in 2020

Background and aims: Fertility is among the major components of the population, the reduction of which can cause irreparable socioeconomic damage to the country. Unfortunately, the fertility rate is declining, and it is lower than the critical level in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing fertility desire in order to reveal more aspects of this issue. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study included all the rural and urban families referring to healthcare centers in Ferdows, Iran, in 2020. The participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Finally, 400 married men and women referring to the centers were assessed by the fertility desire scale (FDS). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as the Mann- Whitney and Spearman tests by SPSS 19.0. Results: In this study, 81.2% of the participants were female, 52.5% of who aged 25-35 years old. The mean scores of fertility desire among urban and rural households were 66.69 ± 9.61 and 65.06 ± 9.08, respectively (P = 0.03). In all dimensions of the questionnaire except for childbearing worries, significant differences were observed between urban and rural households. These dimensions included positive childbearing motivations (P = 0.05), social beliefs (P = 0.04), and preferences (P = 0.004). Conclusion: The results obtained from this study can be used in population policies in order to build culture, support parents, and increase childbearing desire, especially in rural areas.