Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate fertility intensions among couples in Shanghai under the novel coronavirus infection (COVID‐19) pandemic against the backdrop of persistently low fertility.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out using data from studies conducted before the COVID‐19 pandemic. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic characteristics, history of reproduction and gynecology, fertility intention before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic, female psychological state, and the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on daily life.ResultsUnder the influence of COVID‐19, 296/447 (66.2%) participants did not change their original fertility intention to have children, while 151/447 (33.8%) of participants were affected by the outbreak. Participants who believed in government and hospital control policies were less likely to change their intention to become pregnant (P < 10–3, P < 10–3). In contrast, concerns about the impact of COVID‐19 on female and fetal health led participants to cancel their original pregnancy plans (P < 10−3).ConclusionThree in ten couples of childbearing age, who originally expressed their intention of becoming pregnant, canceled their pregnancy plans after the COVID‐19 outbreak. The COVID‐19 outbreak has brought new challenges to people’s physical and mental health. Effective policies and measures can help to improve people’s fertility intentions with respect to having children.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.