Gap between Preferred and Observed Fertility Behaviors

Fertility gap is the difference between preferred and observed rates. Preferred fertility rates have a predictive value in forecasting the future course of fertility in any community. The present study aimed at detecting gap, if any, among mothers in Mosul, at the north of Iraq; and defining the underlying reasons behind their preference. Across-sectional design was adopted; during which 1302 mothers at child-bearing age who had at least two living children were interviewed during their attendance to one of the included primary health care centers. Gap between mean of preferred and observed age at marriage is 0.5 year (r=0.2, p=0.000). High parity was reported among 27.8% that was not correlated with maternal preference. Regarding birth interval, almost a year-gap was reported between observed and preferred interval (r=0.3, p=0.000).

Social motivations were the main encouraging factor in preference of teenage marriage (94.0%) and short birth interval (67.8%); while economic reasons inspired 43.1% of mothers to prefer high parity.

Health education about comprehensive family life is recommended for constructing health fertility behaviors within religious and social contexts.