Beyond demographics: the role of family conditions in shaping childbearing attitudes among married women in Iran
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Declining fertility rates have emerged as a major demographic and socioeconomic challenge worldwide, including in Iran. Understanding the role of family conditions in shaping women’s reproductive attitudes is essential for informing effective fertility-related policies and interventions.This study aimed to examine the relationship between family conditions and attitudes toward childbearing among married women in Sarab, Iran. Methods: A descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2024 among 380 married women selected through multi-stage cluster random sampling. Data were collected using three instruments: a demographic questionnaire, the 22-item Family Conditions Questionnaire, and a 23-item researcher-developed Attitudes Toward Childbearing Questionnaire. Reliability and validity of the instruments were confirmed (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.88). Data were analyzed in SPSS v.27 using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 31.4 years. Housewives reported more positive attitudes toward childbearing compared to employed women (p < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed across educational and financial groups (p < 0.001). Family conditions were strongly correlated with childbearing attitudes (r = 0.833, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that while demographic variables explained 13.1% of the variance in attitudes, inclusion of family conditions increased explained variance to 70.4%. Among family dimensions, educational (β = 0.270), economic (β = 0.266), and parenting interactions (β = 0.220) were the strongest predictors. Conclusion: Family conditions, particularly educational and economic support, are the most influential determinants of married women’s attitudes toward childbearing, outweighing demographic factors. Supportive family environments not only foster positive fertility attitudes but also mitigate the negative impact of higher education and female employment. Policymakers and fertility counselors should consider family dynamics, spousal communication, and intergenerational support when designing interventions to address declining fertility in Iran.
Source: Reproductive Health
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
OpenAlex ID: W7171502831
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