Association between depressive symptoms and fertility intentions based on evidence from China family panel studies among reproductive-aged individuals in China

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between depressive status and changes in depressive status and fertility intentions among Chinese people of childbearing age. MethodsUsing data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), the depressive status of married individuals of childbearing age was assessed based on the CES-D 8 questionnaire, with a score of ≥7 considered indicative of depressive symptoms. First, using the 2020 CFPS data, χ2 tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between current depressive status and fertility intentions among married individuals of childbearing age. Second, combining the 2018 and 2020 CFPS data, logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of changes in depressive status from 2018 to 2020 on fertility intentions in 2020. ResultsA total of 8 905 married individuals of childbearing age were included in the 2020 CFPS survey, with a mean age of (37.1±7.3) years, of whom 53.7% were female. Among the participants, 1 068 (12.0%) expressed an intention to have children in the next two years. No significant correlation was found between depressive status and fertility intentions among all participants (OR=0.84, 95%CI: 0.69–1.03). Depressive status had an impact on women′s fertility intentions, with women experiencing depressive symptoms showing weaker fertility intentions (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.55–0.99), but no significant correlation was observed in men. Combining the 2018 and 2020 data, compared to individuals whose CES-D 8 scores remained unchanged or decreased from 2018 to 2020, individuals whose CES-D 8 scores increased (i.e., worsening depressive symptoms) showed a significant decrease in fertility intentions (OR=0.15, 95%CI: 0.04–0.62).ConclusionsThere is a significant correlation between depressive symptoms and fertility intentions in women, with women experiencing depressive symptoms more likely to exhibit weaker fertility intentions. Furthermore, as the severity of depressive symptoms increases, individuals' fertility intentions gradually weaken.