Multidimensional empirical research on fertility motivation and influencing factors of Chinese university students.

This study explored factors influencing fertility motivation among Chinese college students and provided empirical evidence for understanding young people's fertility intentions. From July to August 2025, using a multi-stage cluster sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted across 12 universities in 9 provinces (including municipalities and autonomous regions) of China. Among the valid samples, 238 individuals clearly expressed their willingness to have children in the future, accounting for 15.3%. The model explained 29.7% of the variance in fertility motivation. Path analysis indicated that of all the included variables, reproductive knowledge exhibited the highest standardized total association coefficient of 0.331 with fertility motivation, including a direct effect of 0.294 and an indirect effect of 0.037. Based on correlation analysis, this study identifies factors related to college students' fertility motivation, which can help us better understand and support the development of their fertility motivation, while also providing references for potential future intervention directions.