By: Soleimani. A, Mahmoudi. M, Rahimi. A.

Abstract:

Introduction: In current situation, population rate has increased due to improving health care and decreasing death rate. But growth rate of food, economy and cultural resources is not proportional with population growth and fertility is the most important factor for population growth which is due to social, economic and cultural factors in society. Therefore, if a significant relation is found between above factors and fertility, it may be possible to influence them directly or indirectly and balance population with resources. Since due to the findings of this study, a model to predict and control fertility on national basis presented which is for our country and Mazandaran province, it can be used for proper planning of fertilization control.

Objective: The goal of this study is to determine the effective factors on fertility in Mazandaran province.

Methods: Data was gathered through the project "Evaluating the effective elements on the tempo and quantum of fertility in Mazandaran province in 2000" by questionnaire including three parts (Demographic characteristics, fertility information and family planning).

The research is a descriptive-analytic design and sampling method is random two-stage method. The sample consisted of 1137 women aging 10-54 year old and sample size was calculated with 95% reliability and less than 2% fault.

Results: Descriptive results were organized as two and three dimensional tables and the relations of variables were assessed by chi-square and Fisher's test. Then from the effective factors on fertility, factors such as age, mothers' education, age of marriage, age of first pregnancy, years of marriage, sex preference, desired number of children, and method of contraceptive were assessed by path analysis. The direct and indirect effects of these variables were calculated for decrease or increase of fertility.

Result indicated that mothers^, educational level had the most decreasing effect on fertility.       

Conclusion: Since it's not possible to control all effective factors on fertility, it's better to pay more attention to variables of years of marriage and education level of mother.

Key words: effective factors, fertility, path analysis.