The Viewpoints of Iranian Couples About Childbearing: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Background: The age pyramid of Iran’s population has changed in the last two decades due to a decreased fertility rate. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers of Iranian couples about childbearing in Khoy City. Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured 23 interviews were conducted with 23 couples selected using the purposive sampling method. The interviews were conducted at health centers in Khoy in 2023. After obtaining consent, the interviews were recorded and continued until reaching data saturation. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software, version 12 and the conventional content analysis method. Results: Of the 23 couples participating in the study, 14(60.87%) were unwilling to have children. The mean age of men and women was 41.32±2.16 and 36.84±5.37 years, respectively. The two themes extracted from the data analysis were childbearing facilitators and childbearing barriers. Also, childbearing barriers included four categories: Economic problems, concern about uncertain future, women’s employment and negative experiences of prior pregnancy/childbirth. Childbearing facilitators included three categories: Individual or family values and preferences, personal faith, and government’s supportive policies. Conclusion: Considering the obtained results and the unwillingness of most of the participants to childbearing, investigating the pathology of couples’ reluctance to have children is necessary before persuading them to do so. It is suggested that health policymakers identify the reasons for couples’ reluctance to have children and, then, take measures to solve the relevant problems and apply childbearing supportive policies.