Married men's perspectives and reproductive behaviors on fertility in the province with the highest fertility rate in Turkey: a mix method study

Abstract

Objective: fertility is directly related to the socio-economic, political, and cultural structure of societies. Şanlıurfa is the Province with the highest fertility rate in Turkey. In Şanlıurfa, men play a decisive role regarding fertility-related issues. Therefore, this study is conducted to determine married men’s perspectives and reproductive behaviors on fertility in Şanlıurfa. Material and Method: the quantitative dimension of the study was carried out using a mixed methods approach in which 210 men were interviewed and a questionnaire was completed; the qualitative dimension was carried out through in-depth individual interviews with 8 men, using a semi-structured interview form. Analysis of the qualitative data was done using a content analysis technique. Results: in the quantitative dimension of this study, it was found that the mean number of children (3.2±2.0) in the families was high, and the most critical factor that increases the number of children was low education level (odds ratio [OR] 5.2, 95% Cl: 1.9-14.3) in men. In the qualitative dimension of this study, it was found that the most common factors increasing the number of children were "preference for male children, not knowing enough about contraceptive methods, using child labor force in agriculture, childcare being easier in an extended family." Besides, it was found that men perceive induced abortion as a sin, the crowded family as powerful, and their sons as insurance in old age. Conclusion: this study has shown that education, cultural norms, and values are instrumental in the fertility rate.