Predictors of general fertility rates in the urban and rural populations of Iran in the Year 2000

General fertility rate (GFR) can be used to predict population growth. The aim of the present ecological study is to determine the effects of some social and health factors on Iranian women's GFR. This study uses data based on the Iranian nation-wide Demographic Health Survey (DHS), which took place in the year 2000. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were applied to estimate the value of the seven independent variables on prediction of GFR as dependent variable. In the urban population, three of the independent variables including the proportions of illiteracy, use of the modern methods and use of the traditional methods could predict up to 65% variations of the GFR and in the rural population only two of the independent variables including the proportions of illiteracy and use of the modern methods could predict up to 70% variations of the GFR. The very high GFR in Sistan and Balochestan province has a substantial effect on the findings. After removing Sistan and Balochestan province from the analyses, it seems that in Iran, efforts aiming at men ' s marriage in appropriate ages in urban areas, and increasing the use of the modern methods of prevention among married women in rural areas will reduce the GFR.