Imapct of women's work on family formation pattern

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in order to investigate the family formation pattern and some factors related among married women in their reproductive age working in a food processing actory [Edfina] [n = 333]. Housewives visiting the Health Office of the same region [n = 486] represented the comparison group. Through a specially designed questionnaire, data were collected concerning their sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive behavior, family planning attitude and practices as well as work condition of the working females. Only 12.1% of the working women have never practiced contraception in comparison to 18.8% of the non-working women. The total duration of contraceptive practice was longer among the working group [6.8 +/- 4.5 years] than among the non-working group [2.9 +/- 2.5 years]. Working status and the number of living children were positively related to current use [OR = 1.62 and 1.87, respectively] and ever use of contraception [OR = 2.87 and 3.60, respectively]. Work stress index was inversely related to the current use of contraception [OR = 0.82] and also the number of living children [B = 0.14] among workers. In conclusion, working women have a more favorable family formation pattern, which is related to their socioeconomic status, attitudes, and work stress. Improving women status and more care of females exposed to work stress are highly recommended