The impact of COVID-19 on fertility intention in Australian adults

Abstract

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented impact on the lives of Australians, with significant influence on the mental health and well-being of adults. Initial estimates predict that there will be a decline in birth rates from 1.7 to 1.59 children per woman in Australia over the course of 2021. This study aimed to explore change in fertility intentions as a result of COVID-19 in Australian young adults. Sixty-seven adults (82% women) between the ages of 18–35 years participated in the online survey. The study collected socio-demographic data including relationship status, employment, education, income, and gender as well as three measures of wellbeing including hopelessness, anxiety, and coping. Results of the study indicated that employment status is a significant indicator of change in fertility intention. There was a strong effect for hopelessness, indicating that increased hope for the future is associated with a change in fertility intention. Anxiety and coping did not appear to significantly influence change. The results of this study indicate that the immediate impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing does not cause people to change fertility intention, however, hope for the future has a significant influence. Through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior, this may be because people evaluate the consequences of their actions based on predictions of the future, and therefore hope for the future most significantly impacts their attitudes toward having children. Future research should investigate how supporting the wellbeing of young adults can influence choice in fertility intention.