Introduction Despite the rapid increase in the proportion of unmarried women in the Chinese population, little is known about their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and well-being. The aim of this survey is to collect data on SRH knowledge and needs, past care-seeking experiences, fertility goals and attitudes towards fertility technology among unmarried women in four megacities in China where singlehood is prominent among women of reproductive age.
Methods and analysis This multi-centre cross-sectional survey, Survey of Unmarried women on Reproductive health and Fertility (SURF), aims to recruit 6000 eligible women, with 1500 from each study site. Eligibility criteria include: (1) women; (2) aged 25 - 40 years; (3) currently unmarried (never married, divorced or widowed); and (4) reside in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen or Guangzhou metropolitan areas.
Quota sampling is used to ensure the age strata in the final sample correspond to the age distribution from the latest Chinese census. Data are currently being collected through referral recruitment and a self-administered questionnaire available on the mobile devices and computers of participants.
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 21 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Protocol for a multicentre survey of sexual and reproductive health and fertility among unmarried women living in Chinas megacities.
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