Attitudes, Policy Awareness, and Government Support for Childbearing Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Bueng Kan Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine attitudes, policy awareness, and perceptions of government support for childbearing among married women of reproductive age in Bueng Kan province. Data were collected from 298 women selected through systematic random sampling using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by three experts for content validity, and reliability testing yielded Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.98. Data were analyzed using STATA software, with results presented as percentages, means, standard deviations, and range values.

The results showed that 20.81% of participants desired to have children in the future. The mean age of participants was 37 years (S.D. = 8.24), ranging from 20 to 49 years. Most participants had completed upper secondary school or held a vocational certificate (36.91%) and worked in agriculture (59.06%). The average monthly household income was 18,158 baht (range: 5,000-90,000 baht), while the average monthly household expenditure was 14,531 baht (range: 4,000-70,000 baht). Awareness of government policies and support for childbearing was low (34.32%). Most participants reported high access to childcare services and facilities (71.81%). Attitudes toward having children were predominantly moderate (86.91%).

Recommendations: Government should enhance public awareness of childbearing support policies, including tax deductions and housing loan benefits for home purchase or renovation.