South China Journal of Preventive Medicine ›› 2023, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (11): 1368-1372.doi: 10.12183/j.scjpm.2023.1368

• Original Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Influencing factors of fertility intention for third child among married women of childbearing age with two children in Xi'an

GAO Ying1, GAO Jie1, XU Lili2, GAO Lihua3   

  1. 1. The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University (Tangdu Hospital), Xi'an 710038, China;
    2. Xi'an Central Hospital;
    3. Xi'an Maternal and Child Health Hospital
  • Received:2023-06-14 Online:2023-11-20 Published:2024-01-04

Abstract: Objective To analyze the influencing factors of fertility intention for third child among married women of childbearing age with two children in Xi'an, in order to improve the local fertility rate. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted on married women of childbearing age with two children who underwent health examinations at three tertiary hospitals in Xi'an from January to December 2022. Descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the population's fertility intention for third child, and univariate and multivariate analysis methods were used to analyze the influencing factors of fertility intention. Results Among the 3 250 married women of childbearing age with two children, 81.97% insisted on choosing two children, 324 (9.97%) hoped that one child was the best, and the second child was an accidental pregnancy. There were 265 women with fertility intention for third child, accounting for 8.15%. Ethnic minorities (OR=6.236), residing in rural areas (OR=2.689), increased per capita household income (OR=8.478, 6.224, 2.404), employees of public institutions (OR=2.871), farmers (OR= 2.304), and the perception of elderly care and childbirth (OR=3.917) were identified as influencing factors contributing to the increased fertility intention for third child among married women of childbearing age with two children in Xi'an. Conversely, economic cost (OR=0.098), opportunity cost (OR=0.051), psychological cost (OR=0.220), and difficulty in educating children (OR=0.174) were found to be influencing factors leading to a decrease in fertility intention for third child among married women of childbearing age with two children in Xi'an. Conclusions In Xi'an, married women of childbearing age with two children have a low fertility intention, and there are many influencing factors, including ethnic origin, long‐term residence, per capita monthly income of the family, occupation, fertility concept, parenting cost, and children's education. Strengthening the fertility education of residents is the key to improving the fertility rate in Xi'an.

Key words: Women of childbearing age, Three children, Fertility intention, Influencing factor

CLC Number: 

  • 169