Samira Behboudi-Gandevani1, Saeideh Ziaei, Farideh Khalajabadi Farahani, Melanie Jasper. 1. 1PhD Student, Faculty of Medical Science, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2PhD, MD, Professor, Faculty of Medical Science, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 3PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Population, Heath and Family Planning, National Institute of Population Studies, and Invited Faculty Member, Social Science College of Allameh Tabatabaie University, Tehran, Iran 4PhD, Professor, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Delayed childbearing is a growing trend in Iran. PURPOSE: This study explores the perspectives of women on delayed childbearing. METHODS: A qualitative study using a content analysis approach was conducted on data acquired using private semistructured interviews with 23 women aged ≥30 years who were childless or pregnant for the first time in an urban area of Iran. RESULTS: Three main themes were developed using conventional content analysis: "personal inclination," "perceived beliefs about delayed childbearing," and "social support." CONCLUSIONS: Although women in Iran hold favorable attitudes toward childbearing, a wide range of sociocultural and economic factors encourage these women to postpone their first pregnancy. The findings of this study are relevant and important for nursing and midwifery policy making in countries with cultural and contextual backgrounds similar to Iran.
BACKGROUND: Delayed childbearing is a growing trend in Iran. PURPOSE: This study explores the perspectives of women on delayed childbearing. METHODS: A qualitative study using a content analysis approach was conducted on data acquired using private semistructured interviews with 23 women aged ≥30 years who were childless or pregnant for the first time in an urban area of Iran. RESULTS: Three main themes were developed using conventional content analysis: "personal inclination," "perceived beliefs about delayed childbearing," and "social support." CONCLUSIONS: Although women in Iran hold favorable attitudes toward childbearing, a wide range of sociocultural and economic factors encourage these women to postpone their first pregnancy. The findings of this study are relevant and important for nursing and midwifery policy making in countries with cultural and contextual backgrounds similar to Iran.