Motivation, Attitudes and Behavioral Intention Affecting Reproductive Behavior of Muslim Women in Nonthaburi Province and Eastern Bangkok

Abstract

     Health problems among Muslim women commonly include obesity and chronic diseases. Reproductive behaviors is associated with motivation, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding reproductive health. Studies on reproductive behavior among Muslim women remain limited. This predictive correlational research aimed to: (1) examine the reproductive behaviors, motivation, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of Muslim women; (2) investigate the relationships between motivation, attitudes, behavioral intentions, and reproductive behaviors; and (3) identify the influence of motivation, attitudes, and behavioral intentions on reproductive behaviors. The study population consisted of Muslim women of reproductive age residing in Nonthaburi Province and eastern Bangkok. Data collection was coordinated within Muslim communities. The sample size was calculated by G*Power, and purposive sampling was employed, yielding a total of 400 participants. The research instruments included questionnaires assessing reproductive be havior, motivation for reproductive behavior, attitudes toward reproductive behavior, and behavioral intention. All instruments demonstrated good content validity with IOC values greater than 0.67 and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.876, 0.878, 0.781, and 0.831, respectively.

     The results showed that 1. Muslim women exhibited a high level of reproductive behavior (M = 3.625, SD = 0.605). Motivation for reproductive behavior was also high (M = 3.790, SD = 0.679), while behavioral intention and attitudes toward reproductive behavior were at moderate levels (M = 3.480, SD = 0.581; M = 3.479, SD = 0.566, respectively). 2 . Motivation, attitudes, and behavioral intention were moderately and positively correlated with reproductive behavior at the p < .01 significance level (r = 0.410, p = .000; r = 0.460, p = .000; and r = 0.546, p = .000, respectively). 3.Behavioral intention and attitudes together significantly predicted reproductive behavior at the p < .01 level, accurately predicting for 35.5% of the variance. The standardized prediction equation was: Reproductive Behavior = 0.481 (Behavioral Intention)** + 0.153 (Attitudes)**

     Public health practitioners should promote family and community engagement, enhance motivation, and foster positive attitudes toward reproductive behavior. Islamic principles should be integrated into interventions to strengthen Muslim women’s intention to practice desirable reproductive behaviors.