Work

Development and validation of the Fertility Anxiety Scale for Chinese Women: a tool for clinical and policy applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With rapid social changes and evolving fertility policies in China, women experience significant fertility anxiety. However, existing tools focus on a single dimension, lacking a comprehensive measure tailored to Chinese women. METHODS: Based on cost-utility theory, policy cycle theory, social support theory, gender role theory, and conservation of resources theory, this study developed and validated the Fertility Anxiety Scale for Chinese Women (FAS-CW) through qualitative interviews and surveys. RESULTS: The scale, comprising cognitive and emotional anxiety, demonstrates strong reliability and validity. CONCLUSION: The FAS-CW provides a reliable tool for assessing fertility anxiety among Chinese women and contributes to the understanding of its multidimensional structure. IMPLICATIONS: The scale can support clinical practice by helping identify high-anxiety individuals and guide policy evaluation related to fertility and childcare. It also provides a basis for comparative research in other low-fertility contexts.

Source: Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology

DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2025.2544707

Authors: Yiqing He, Noor Eshah Tom Abdul Wahab, Haslina Muhamad

Institutions: Guangzhou University, National University of Singapore, University of Malaya

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Technologies

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Guangzhou University