Evaluation of planned number of children, the well-being of the couple, and associated factors in a prospective cohort in Yokohama (HAMA study): study protocol

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundMany developed countries including Japan are experiencing declining birth rates, particularly in urban areas. There is a gap between the planned number of children and the actual number of children, which has been attributed to various factors. The following issues that are considered indispensable for addressing the problem of declining birth rates have been rarely investigated: childcare leave and employment policies, childcare services, financial support, husbands’ contributions to household chores and childcare, marriage support, and the community. In addition, the relationship between these situations and their well-being is also important and is one of the main outcomes. Therefore, we propose the present HAMA study for having a baby, parenting, and marriage life (HAMA = 'H'aving 'A' baby, parenting, and 'MA'rriage life) in Yokohama (an urban area) to examine the aforementioned issues.MethodsIn this large-scale cohort study, we plan to elucidate the actual situation of families and child rearing in Yokohama, evaluate the current policies, and propose future measures to prevent a decline in birth rate. Overall, 10,000 young married couples (wives aged 20–39 years as of 2022) will be randomly selected, and a survey form will be sent to them annually. They will be followed up for 5 years to examine the factors associated with the planned number of children, well-being of the couple, childcare support policies, externalization of housework and childcare, fathers’ participation in housework and childcare, wives’ free time, loneliness and social connectedness, relationship with the spouse, and if they are working, questions regarding their work style and work-life balance will also be included. Ultimately, a conceptual model of the planned number of children and associated factors will be developed.DiscussionThis study will help identify issues related to families and childcare in the urban areas of Japan with high population concentrations. The separate collection of data from husbands and wives will help identify their connectedness or disconnectedness. In addition, this study will build a conceptual model for the planned number of children and well-being after considering various factors that reflect contemporary realities and urban characteristics.