Factors influencing the fertility intentions of unmarried female nurses in South Korea: a cross-sectional analysis.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational survey
PubMed 41845329 · doi:10.1186/s12912-026-04533-y
What was done
A cross-sectional survey evaluated factors influencing fertility intentions among 190 unmarried female general hospital nurses aged 20 to 50 years with over 6 months of work experience in South Korea. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling through an online community in June 2023. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise multiple regression to assess the relationships between fertility intentions, socially prescribed perfectionism, social comparison orientation, perceptions of child value, and subjective career success.
What was found
Stepwise multiple regression identified three significant predictors of fertility intention: social comparison orientation (β = -0.22, p = 0.002), positive perception of child value (β = 0.19, p = 0.006), and subjective career success (β = 0.18, p = 0.014). Although socially prescribed perfectionism was negatively correlated with fertility intention in bivariate analysis (r = -0.27, p < 0.001), it was not a significant independent predictor in the final regression model.
Why it matters
This study highlights psychological and occupational factors associated with childbearing intentions in a professional group facing high workplace demands within a country experiencing historically low fertility rates. It indicates that higher subjective career satisfaction, rather than career sacrifice alone, aligns positively with fertility intentions.
Limits
The study used a cross-sectional design, preventing any causal inferences. The sample size was modest (n = 190) and recruited via convenience sampling from an online forum, introducing selection bias. All variables were self-reported, and actual subsequent childbearing behaviors were not measured. Findings from female hospital nurses in South Korea may not generalize to other occupational groups or cultural settings.