Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on Fertility Intention of Single-child Women: A Field Trial Study

Abstract

Aims: Fertility is an important factor for population growth and its proportion. Regarding the overall decrease in the total fertility rate in Iran and reaching below the replacement rate, this study aimed at determining the effect of the education based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on women’s fertility intention. Methods & Materials: This interventional study was conducted on 100 pregnant women of reproductive age covered by the Gonabad community health centers. The subjects were selected through two-stage cluster sampling and randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups (n=50 per group). Data were analyzed using SPSS V. 20 and Independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square test. Findings: There was no significant difference between the demographic characteristics of the subjects in the experimental and control groups. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the mean score of the theoretical constructs between the two groups. After the intervention, the mean score of attitude (P=0.014), perceived behavioral control (P=0.042), and behavioral intention (P=0.005) were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: The results showed that the educational intervention based on TPB could positively affect the fertility intention of single-child women. Hence, it is suggested to use this model in educational programs related to population growth policy and to plan interventions encouraging couples to have another child.