Investigating the relationship between personal characteristics and disability status with childbearing motivation in women with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

Childbearing in women with multiple sclerosis can be affected by various factors related to the disease and its treatments. This study aimed to determine the factors related to childbearing motivation among women with multiple sclerosis. This cross-sectional study involved 206 women aged 18–45 with multiple sclerosis who visited an MS clinic in Tehran, Iran in 2022. The data collection tools included a Personal Profile Form, the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale, the Childbearing Motivation Questionnaire, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. The data was analysed using the Pearson correlation test in SPSS software version 21. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. According to the results, the mean age of participants was 34.38 ± 6.21 years, with the majority (52.4%) falling into 30–39 age group. Most of the women who participated were not employed (57.3%) and were married (72.8%). Positive or negative attitudes towards childbearing did not show any significant correlation with disability status, self-efficacy dimensions such as independence and activity, personal control, concerns and interests, and personal characteristics. The present study did not find any relationship between childbearing motivation and the personal characteristics of the women who participated. Many questions still remain regarding the factors that influence childbearing motivation in women with MS. It seems that conducting studies in various cultures and societies. Could provide answers to the questions that have been raised on this topic.