The Impacts of Socio-economic and emographic Factors on Fertility (Case study: Rural Regions of Najaf-Abad Township)

The research is aimed to determine the socio-economic and demographic factors affecting the fertility in rural regions of Najaf-Abad Township. In rural development process, demographic indices are the most important ones. Fertility is among many factors which affects population growth. Therefore, in population planning, it is essential to determine factors affecting fertility. The statistical sample consists of 415 married rural women (10 to 49 years old), in their first marriage with at least one alive child, and the data is collected during the year 2007. The Data is obtained from information available in household folders of Najaf-Abad Health Houses. Based on a multi¬variate regression method, the results show that 40 to 44 years old women, 46 to 55 years old husbands, marriage age at 20 years and older, the length of marriage life, child mortality rate, the number of abortion, and the size of village (an estimate of the village expanse of useful land) have statistically positive effects on fertility. On the other hand, woman's age at first delivery, birth interval, husband's education level, and having health insurance have statistically negative influence on fertility. The main implication for the demographic policy makers is to enhance the level of education and upgrade the health level in order to wipe out child mortality and abortion. Mothers should be taught the right time of first partum and proper birth intervals. Using insurance advantages, a larger number of families should be covered. Last but not least, couple's high level of education and husband's employment status that may have negative effects on number of children should be taken into account.