| Is Part of |
Evoliucinė medicina: žmogaus raidos perspektyvos ir sveikata besikeičiančioje aplinkoje: septintoji tarptautinė konferencija, 2026 m. liepos mėn. 7-10 d., Vilniaus universitetas, Lietuva = Evolutionary medicine: perspectives on human development and health consequences in a changing environment: the 7th international conference, 7th-10th of July, 2026, Vilnius University, Lithuania.. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2026, p. 116 |
| Abstract [eng] |
Background and Aim: The total fertility rate in the European Union has declined in recent years, decreasing from 1.53 live births per woman in 2021 to 1.34 in 2024, while the mean age of women at the birth of their first child has increased. This study aims to identify factors most strongly associated with reproductive decision-making among young adults. Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using a search strategy informed by the PRISMA 2020 guidelines in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, yielding 4236 records. Five additional studies were identified through manual reference screening. Eurostat and the National Center for Health Statistics provided supplementary data. Open-access articles published in English and Lithuanian between 2015 and 2026 were included. Twenty studies were selected for the final analysis. Results: Most young women intend to have at least one child, with fertility intentions ranging from 1.82 to 2.47 children across European countries, although voluntary childlessness appears to be increasing, particularly in the United States, where around 40% of nulliparous young women report no intention to have children. Fertility decisions are influenced by interconnected health, relationship, socioeconomic, educational, and identity-related factors. Psychological and physical well-being, supportive partner relationships, and socioeconomic stability predict stronger childbearing intentions. These determinants often interact; for example, positive body image may promote parenthood intentions through its association with mental health and self- esteem. Concurrently, educational commitments and identity development may contribute to delayed parenthood. To further explore established and underexamined determinants, such as family size or libido, and fertility intentions, the present study will employ an original survey questionnaire alongside validated measurement instruments. Conclusions: High relationship quality, good health, financial independence, and socioeconomic stability emerged as key factors influencing positive repro- ductive decision-making. Meanwhile, education and identity development were linked to delayed family formation. |
