The role of social capital on unwillingness toward childbearing in reproductive-aged women

Context: Although Middle-east is a region with high population growth, but in some countries such as Iran, the population growth significantly decreased rapidly. Social capital is an important factor in formatting the positive willingness of childbearing among couples. Social capital referred to resources that individuals access them through the personal relationships. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the role of social capital on unwillingness toward childbearing in reproductive-aged women referred to Babol Health Care Centers in 2018. Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study in Babol Health Centers, Iran, in 2018. Materials and Methods: Three hundred reproductive-aged women 18–39 years with maximum of two children were recruited through a systematic sampling method. Demographic fertility characteristics form, Miller's childbearing motivation questionnaire, Onyx, and Bullen social capital questionnaire were used for the data collection. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean ± standard deviation, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression were used for the data analysis. Results: The most reasons of unwillingness for childbearing included “worrying about the health and safety of my child,” (83%) “being responsible for a needy and demanding baby,” (78.8%) and “worrying whether I am raising my child the right way.” (77%) Unwillingness to childbearing was associated with the factors such as social capital (β = −0.259, P = 0.001), being employed (β = 0.207, P = 0.001), and well self-evaluation of socioeconomic status (β = −0.187, P = 0.004). Conclusions: Improving the current conditions of childbearing in the Iranian society requires the involvement of policy-makers in the various domains and levels of decision-making at the family, community, and macrolevels.