[Determinants of sterilization among married couples in Korea].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of sterilization in South Korea.


METHODS
This study was based on the data from the Korea National Fertility Survey carried out in the year 2000 by the Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs. The subjects of the analysis were 4,604 women and their husbands who were in their first marriage, in the age group of 15-49 years. The data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
Consistent with the findings of previous studies, the woman's age and the number of total children increased the likelihood of sterilization. In addition, the year of marriage had a strong positive association with sterilization. Interestingly, the number of surviving sons tended to increase the likelihood of sterilization, whereas the woman's education level and age at the time of marriage showed a negative association with sterilization. Religion, place of residence, son preference, and the husband's education level, age and type of occupation were not significant determinants of sterilization.


CONCLUSIONS
The sex of previous children and lower level of education are distinct determinants of sterilization among women in South Korea. More studies are needed in order to determine the associations between sterilization rate and decreased fertility.
Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center.
Ju Hee
JH
Kim
Woojin
W
Chung
Sunmi
S
Lee
Moonhee
M
Suh
Dae Ryong
DR
Kang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive