The relationship between fertility knowledge and unintended pregnancy: a survey among women of reproductive age in Shiraz, Iran

ABSTRACT

Unintended pregnancy poses significant health risks for mothers, often leading to induced abortions. Understanding fertility is crucial when it comes to predicting the likelihood of unintended pregnancy. This study employed a quantitative research approach, utilizing a survey method. The survey was conducted in 2022 and involved 1065 married women aged 15–49 residing in Shiraz. The data collection process involved the administration of a standardized questionnaire. The sampling process utilized a combination of multi-stage classification and systematic random methods. The analysis of variable associations demonstrated a significant positive correlation between fertility knowledge, age, husband’s age, duration of marriage, and monthly income variables with the proportion of unintended pregnancies. It was observed that higher levels of education among both women and their husbands were associated with a lower proportion of unintended pregnancies. Additionally, employed women exhibited a significantly lower proportion of unintended pregnancies compared to non-employed women. The logistic regression analysis further confirmed that fertility knowledge and monthly income exerted a significant reverse influence on the likelihood of experiencing an unintended pregnancy. Lack of awareness regarding fertility knowledge among women can contribute to the occurrence of unintended pregnancies. Unintended pregnancies, in turn, can pose potential health risks for women.

Acknowledgments

I would like to say special thanks to all the women surveyed in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Ethical approval statement

The research project was confirmed by the Ethics Committee of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. After obtaining a sampling license from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, sampling was started in the city of Shiraz. The participants were asked to sign a written informed consent. Respondents were completely informed of the study purpose and procedures. In addition, they were assured of the confidentiality of information.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.