Fertility knowledge and its related factors among married men and women in Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the fertility knowledge and its related factors in married men and women in Zanjan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 1200 individuals (including 600 women aged 18–49 years and 600 men aged 18–59 years) referred to urban and rural health centres in Zanjan, were recruited through cluster sampling from June to September 2020. The Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale was used to assess fertility knowledge. Data were analysed by descriptive statistical methods such as mean and standard deviation and analytical statistics, including independent sample t-test, ANOVA test, Pearson Correlation and Linear Regression were used. The average correct scores of fertility knowledge were 49.7%, 53.3%, and 51.55% for men, women, and in total, respectively. The multiple linear regression model showed that fertility knowledge was significantly related to being female, being from a higher economic status, having desire to have children in the future, and having desire to increase fertility knowledge (all p < 0.05). Fertility knowledge among the Iranian reproductive-age men and women was modest. The findings suggested that interventions to increase fertility knowledge are essential, especially interventions targeting men and lower socioeconomic groups.