Factors Associated with Subsequent Childbirth between Marriage Years in Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to identify differences in factors associated with subsequent childbirth between the marriage years of 1996-2005 (Group 1) and 2006-2015 (Group 2) using the 2015 National Survey. A total of 5097 eligible participants (2492 and 2605 women in each group, respectively) were included. The main variables consisted of demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, value for child and son, and social support for raising child. For statistical analysis, discrete-time hazard models were used. The common factors associated with subsequent childbirth in both groups were son preference (Group 1: HR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.06-1.27, Group 2: HR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.04-1.24) and the favorable value on children (HR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.01-1.25, HR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.01-1.22). Only in Group 2, age at the first childbirth (HR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.31-1.39) and more monthly income (≥4600, <6000: HR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.04-1.33, ≥6000: HR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.00-1.32) were significantly associated with subsequent children. Whereas, working women (HR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.78-0.94) were less likely to have subsequent children. To increase fertility in Korea, the government must provide childcare and deal with factors associated with low fertility considering the reduction in role incomparability for women due to changes in demographic characteristics.