Fertility Preferences and Their Association With Self-Esteem and Marital Conflicts Among Adolescent Pregnant Women in Zanjan, ۲۰۲۴

Introduction: Understanding the determinants of fertility preferences among adolescent pregnant women is essential for effective reproductive health planning. While marital conflicts may influence emotional well-being, their relationship with reproductive decision-making in this population remains less explored. This study aimed to assess fertility preferences and their correlation with self-esteem and selected dimensions of conflict as measured by the CTS questionnaire among adolescent pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among ۲۱۵ adolescent pregnant women attending health centers in Zanjan in ۲۰۲۴. Data were collected using a demographic and midwifery questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and selected items from the CTS (Conflict Tactics Scale). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at P<۰.۰۵. Findings: Participants reported varying levels of marital disagreements, with psychological conflict being the most frequently noted. Higher self-esteem showed a significant inverse association with overall conflict scores (r = –۰.۷۷, P<۰.۰۱). Additionally, self-esteem was positively correlated with desired number of children (r = ۰.۱۸, P<۰.۰۱). Couple negotiation was also positively related to fertility preferences (r = ۰.۱۴۸, P = ۰.۰۳). Conclusion: Strengthening self-esteem and improving constructive communication between adolescent couples may contribute to healthier reproductive decision-making and more stable fertility preferences. :

کلیدواژه ها:

adolescent pregnancy ، self-esteem ، fertility preferences