Table 1_Development and preliminary validation of a fertility concept scale for Chinese post-00s college students based on thematic analysis.docx

Analyzing the fertility concepts of the post-00s generation is critical for predicting fertility behavior and informing targeted policies; however, suitable measurement tools remain lacking.</p>Methods<p>Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Network Theory, a mixed-methods approach combining collection of publicly available online data, thematic analysis, cognitive interviews, and quantitative research was employed to develop a fertility concept scale tailored to Chinese post-00s college students.

Data were collected through a pilot survey and a formal survey. Scale properties were evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency testing, test–retest reliability, random split-half cross-validation, bootstrap analysis, and measurement invariance testing.</p>Results<p>The final scale comprised 29 items across seven dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit (RMSEA = 0.059, CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.925, SRMR = 0.051), with satisfactory internal consistency for each dimension (Cronbach's α > 0.8) and good test–retest reliability (ICC > 0.75).