International Journal of
Reproductive Biomedicine
Wed, Apr 1, 2026
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Volume 24, Issue 2 (February 2026)
IJRM 2026, 24(2): 0-0 |
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Ethics code: IR.MUBABOL.REC.1403.091
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Rezaei Z, Sharif-Nia H, Gholamnia-Shirvani Z, Behmanesh F, Ahmadzadeh Tori N. Personal, social, and economic determinants of voluntary single-childedness and childlessness among urban couples in Babol, Iran: A cross‐sectional study. IJRM 2026; 24 (2)
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3642-en.html
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3642-en.html
Zahed Rezaei1 
, Hamid Sharif-Nia2 , Zeinab Gholamnia-Shirvani3 , Fereshteh Behmanesh3 , Neda Ahmadzadeh Tori *4
, Hamid Sharif-Nia2 , Zeinab Gholamnia-Shirvani3 , Fereshteh Behmanesh3 , Neda Ahmadzadeh Tori *4
1- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
2- Psychosomatic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. & Department of Nursing, Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
3- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
4- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. ,N.ahmadzadeh@mubabol.ac.ir
2- Psychosomatic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. & Department of Nursing, Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
3- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
4- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. ,
Abstract: (54 Views)
Background: Global fertility rates have declined in recent decades, with voluntary single-childedness and childlessness (VSCC) emerging as a major social and policy challenge.
Objective: This study aimed to identify the personal, social, and economic factors influencing married couples’ VSCC tendencies in Babol, northern Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 452 married individuals (women aged 18-49 yr, men aged 18-55 yr) from Babol, Iran, were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods between August and October 2024. Data collection was conducted online, where the participants were asked to complete the validated 22-item questionnaire on the contributing factors of tendency toward VSCC distributed via social media platforms (WhatsApp and Telegram). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 17, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean VSCC tendency score was 43.0 ± 11.8. Among the 5 domains, the highest mean scores were observed for occupational and social insecurity for the child (63.4 ± 17.6) and inappropriate familial context for childbearing (49.1 ± 11.9), while the lowest was found for social modeling of childlessness (30.6 ± 19.4). Women exhibited a significantly greater tendency toward VSCC compared to men (44.0 ± 12.2 vs. 40.2 ± 10.2; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: VSCC tendencies are shaped by a complex interplay of individual aspirations, relational dynamics, and structural concerns. Among younger couples and women, fears about balancing parenthood with educational and career goals, mistrust in marital relationships, and anxiety about children's future security are prominent. To support informed reproductive decision-making, policy interventions should prioritize affordable childcare, flexible career and education pathways, gender-equitable parenting support, and couple-based counseling services.
Objective: This study aimed to identify the personal, social, and economic factors influencing married couples’ VSCC tendencies in Babol, northern Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 452 married individuals (women aged 18-49 yr, men aged 18-55 yr) from Babol, Iran, were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods between August and October 2024. Data collection was conducted online, where the participants were asked to complete the validated 22-item questionnaire on the contributing factors of tendency toward VSCC distributed via social media platforms (WhatsApp and Telegram). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 17, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean VSCC tendency score was 43.0 ± 11.8. Among the 5 domains, the highest mean scores were observed for occupational and social insecurity for the child (63.4 ± 17.6) and inappropriate familial context for childbearing (49.1 ± 11.9), while the lowest was found for social modeling of childlessness (30.6 ± 19.4). Women exhibited a significantly greater tendency toward VSCC compared to men (44.0 ± 12.2 vs. 40.2 ± 10.2; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: VSCC tendencies are shaped by a complex interplay of individual aspirations, relational dynamics, and structural concerns. Among younger couples and women, fears about balancing parenthood with educational and career goals, mistrust in marital relationships, and anxiety about children's future security are prominent. To support informed reproductive decision-making, policy interventions should prioritize affordable childcare, flexible career and education pathways, gender-equitable parenting support, and couple-based counseling services.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Fertility & Infertility
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