Exploring reproductive intentions and fertility knowledge among reproductive-aged individuals without children in...

What are the reproductive intentions and fertility knowledge of non-pregnant reproductive-aged individuals without children residing in Belgium?

Non-pregnant individuals of reproductive age (18-45 years) without children, residing in Belgium, were recruited through a multi-modal strategy (e.g. flyers, social media) between November 2023 and January 2024. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive intentions (based on the ABC of Reproductive Intentions Taxonomy), preferred age for first and last childbirths, and the desired number of children. In addition, it included the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale.

The study sample consisted of 2092 individuals. Most participants were classified as 'desirers' (59%; n = 1230/2078), including 5% (n = 98/2078) who were actively trying to conceive and 54% (n = 1132/2078) who were planning to have a child or children in the future. Thirteen percent (n = 264/2078) of the study participants were 'avoiders', who expressed their preference not to have any children in the future. The remaining participants were classified as 'flexers' (28%; b n = 584/2078). This group encompassed participants who were unsure about their desire to have children in the future (19%; n = 388/2078), those who indicated that they did not want any children now (8%; n = 174/2078), and those who were undecided (1%; n = 22/2078). Fertility knowledge was significantly higher among 'desirers' compared with 'avoiders' and 'flexers'.

While most participants expressed an intention to have a child or children in the future, the study findings also suggest that many reproductive-aged individuals without children in Belgium are at least considering remaining child-free by choice.