Desire to have a child during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case of Southeastern Anatolia Region

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the desire of married couples have children during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the factors affecting this desire. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study design was used. Married men and women aged 18 to 49 in a province located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region participated this study. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the COVID-19 Fear Scale via online. Results: Of the participants 44.1% wanted to have children before the pandemic, 50.2% of these participants postponed this desire during the pandemic. 40.7% of these participants were not using any contraceptive method, and partner's refusal (51.6%) was the most reason on this topic. The factors that influenced decisions to limit the number of children were advanced age, being unemployed, the sole decision-maker status of family elders regarding fertility-related preferences, less frequent sexual activity during the pandemic period, and fear of COVID-19. Conclusion: The results showed that the negative effects of the pandemic, and sociodemographic disadvantages significantly affected the desire to have a child.