Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2026)
J Health Syst Res 2026, 22(1): 157-164 |
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Research code: 1530
Ethics code: IR.GMU.REC.1402.084
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Rahimi N K, Dogonchi M, Jafari A, Moshki M. Exploration of the Views of Couples about Childlessness: A Qualitative Study. J Health Syst Res 2026; 22 (1) :157-164
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1859-en.html
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1859-en.html
1- MSc Student, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Reproductive and Population Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Reproductive Health and Population Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
4- Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Reproductive Health and Population Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
4- Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
Abstract: (190 Views)
Background: Decreased population growth and low fertility rates result in population aging and labor force reductions. Childbearing and its determinants are, therefore, significant issues for population policy makers. The current study aimed at evaluating the perspectives of couples who chose not to have children.
Methods: The current qualitative study involved analyzing the contractual content of the narrative analysis type in 2023, in which the purposive sampling method was used. Twenty-six semi-structured in-depth interviews with participants (13 men and 13 women) living in Qaen City, Iran, who were childless and had been living together for 24 months were conducted. Data analysis began after each interview and continued until information saturation. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. To achieve data accuracy and reliability, the method proposed by Lincoln and Guba was used.
Findings: The average age of the participants was 28.7 ± 2.7 years. The research identified seven underlying factors of childlessness, including economic causes, uncertain future, psychological causes, family causes, social causes, and physical and individual causes. It categorized the perspectives on childlessness into three groups: attitudes towards having children, disadvantages of not having children, and the effects of having children on the couple's future planning.
Conclusion: The study results indicate that various factors influence couples' decisions to have children. To encourage parenthood, implementing interventions such as boosting families' economic and social stability, promoting a culturr of childbearing norms, and ensuring job security can be effective.
Methods: The current qualitative study involved analyzing the contractual content of the narrative analysis type in 2023, in which the purposive sampling method was used. Twenty-six semi-structured in-depth interviews with participants (13 men and 13 women) living in Qaen City, Iran, who were childless and had been living together for 24 months were conducted. Data analysis began after each interview and continued until information saturation. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. To achieve data accuracy and reliability, the method proposed by Lincoln and Guba was used.
Findings: The average age of the participants was 28.7 ± 2.7 years. The research identified seven underlying factors of childlessness, including economic causes, uncertain future, psychological causes, family causes, social causes, and physical and individual causes. It categorized the perspectives on childlessness into three groups: attitudes towards having children, disadvantages of not having children, and the effects of having children on the couple's future planning.
Conclusion: The study results indicate that various factors influence couples' decisions to have children. To encourage parenthood, implementing interventions such as boosting families' economic and social stability, promoting a culturr of childbearing norms, and ensuring job security can be effective.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
education health and promotion
Received: 2024/08/4 | Accepted: 2025/01/18 | Published: 2026/04/4
Received: 2024/08/4 | Accepted: 2025/01/18 | Published: 2026/04/4
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