A structural equation modelling analysis on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and fertility desire: the mediating role of spiritual well-being

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This study investigated the mediating role of spiritual well-being in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and fertility desire. A descriptive-analytical design was employed, and data collection took place from December 2021 to March 2022 in Northern Iran. Among the women referring to the healthcare centres, 173 participants were selected through a simple random sampling. The researchers employed the Fear of COVID-19 scale, the Spiritual Well-Being scale, and fertility desire questionnaire to gather data. The data were analysed using the structural equation model (SEM). The mean ages of the women and their spouses were 30.03 ± 6.62 and 38.53 ± 6.96, respectively. The direct effects of the fear of COVID-19 on spiritual well-being, and of spiritual well-being on fertility desire, were both statistically significant. Although the direct effect of fear of COVID-19 on fertility desire was not significant (β = .34, P-value = .145), a significant indirect effect was observed (β = -.40, P-value = .004).