Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
2 Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
3 Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
4 Department of Nursing, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
Abstract
Background: Fertility decline has become a critical demographic challenge in Iran, particularly among educated populations, where delayed marriage, financial instability, competing academic and professional demands shape reproductive behaviour.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate childbearing intentions and to examine the psychological, sociocultural, and economic determinants shaping these intentions among university faculty and students in northwestern Iran.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2025 among female students (n = 364) and faculty members (n = 130). Data were collected using the Attitude Toward Fertility and Childbearing (ATFC) questionnaire and the Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaire for Childbearing (ETPB QC). Demographic characteristics and fertility-related factors were analysed using independent t-tests, ANOVA, correlation tests, and hierarchical regression in SPSS version 26.
Results: Students and faculty demonstrated moderate attitudes toward fertility (ATFC means: 61.39 ± 11.13 and 61.16 ± 15.86, respectively). Among students, marital status and family economic situation were significantly associated with ATFC (P = 0.045). Among faculty, age (P < 0.001), marital status (P = 0.037), and economic status (P = 0.05) were significant factors. Strong correlations were observed between ETPB and all ATFC dimensions (r = 0.495–0.954). Regression analyses showed that age and economic status predicted ETPB in Model 1, whereas adding ATFC in Model 2 markedly improved explanatory power (adjusted R² = 0.336).
Conclusion: Childbearing attitudes in academic populations are shaped by intertwined psychological, economic, and sociocultural determinants. Students’ intentions were influenced by reduced perceived control, while faculty were more affected by normative expectations.
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