Childbearing Motivation and Its Predictors among Married Women in Mashhad, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Kashmar School of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.34172/jhad.1179

Abstract

Background: Over the past three decades, a global demographic challenge has emerged due to a substantial decline in fertility rates. In response, Iran has introduced significant pronatalist policies to address this trend. This study aims to identify predictors of childbearing motivation among women in the Iranian context.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to December 2023, using convenience sampling, among 301 married women aged 18–50 years in Mashhad, Iran. Data were gathered through demographic questionnaires and Miller’s Childbearing Questionnaire (CBQ). The CBQ assesses childbearing motives across two dimensions: positive (including pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and childhood; traditional parenthood; satisfaction from parenting; feeling needed and connected; and instrumental use of children) and negative (Including fears and worries about parenthood; parental stress; negative aspects of childcare).
Results: The mean (SD) age of women was 35.75 ( ± 6.7) years. According to the model, education level was positively associated with the subscales of satisfaction of childrearing (β = 0.64, P = 0.002) and feeling needed and connected (β = 0.63, P = 0.006). Moreover, employment status was inversely associated with all positive subscales, and these women reported lower motivation scores across subscales (β ranging from −0.32 to −0.48, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Declining fertility rates in Iran are influenced by various factors such as employment status, number of children, and socio-economic constraints. Women’s decisions to delay or limit childbearing require targeted support and flexible policies to ensure sustainable population growth and family well-being.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Health and Development Journal
Volume 14, Issue 1
May 2025
Pages 1-10

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 19 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 25 October 2025

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