Factors influencing indicators of pregnancy and childbirth intention among female university students in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing pregnancy and childbirth intention indicators among female university students in South Korea, where the lowest-worldwide fertility rate is a critical issue.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 646 female university students in Korea. The tools used in this study included measures of participants' demographic and physiological characteristics, pregnancy and childbirth intention indicators, right to self-determination, perceived stress, and intolerance of uncertainty.Results: Factors influencing pregnancy and childbirth intention indicators included age, expected pregnancy age, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status, and self-determination, and the explanatory power of this model was 29.2%.Conclusion: Pregnancy and childbirth intention indicators were influenced by age, HPV vaccination, expected pregnancy age, and self-determination. These findings suggest that health-related factors such as HPV vaccination and the right to self-determination are critical determinants. Based on these results, this study provides evidence regarding the need for policy and educational interventions that support decision-making related to pregnancy and childbirth.