Predictors Of Expected Number Of Offspring In Korean College Students

Abstract

This study is a cross-sectional study to determine whether life-respecting consciousness, the value of children, and knowledge of pregnancy health care in college students predict the expected number of offspring. This study is a quantitative study conducted for descriptive investigation. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors that influence the expected number of offspring in Korean college students. 265 male and female college students aged 20-34 years were recruited through social network service during the period of March 8 to March 15, 2021. Subjects completed self-report questionnaires packets in Google Forms about life respect consciousness, value of children, and knowledge of pregnancy health care. Data were analyzed using SPSS/PC Window (Version 21) program including descriptive statistics and χ2-test as well as multinomial logistic regression analysis. About 75% of subjects responded as expecting offspring. The average number of expected offspring was 1.78±0.87. Multinomial logistic regression found that the presence of religion, high life respect consciousness and traditional values of children significantly influenced expected number of offspring. In other words, compared to no-religious affiliation, religious affiliation, the probability of expecting two or more children was higher than expecting one child. The higher the life respect consciousness and the more traditional the value of children, the higher the probability of expecting two or more children than remaining childless or with one child. In conclusion, religious affiliation, life respect consciousness, and value of children were the variables that influenced the expected number of offspring. Considering the findings of this study, educational programs should be developed to promote the expected number of offspring among college students.