Abstract
Background. Fertility is an important social and demographic issue that has received increasing attention from policymakers and researchers in recent years, particularly in the context of declining fertility rates. Some couples tend to postpone childbearing, others increase the spacing between births, and some decide to stop childbearing after their first child. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine attitudes toward childbearing among employees with one child working in healthcare centers in Ilam, Iran.
Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 among 260 employees with one child working in healthcare centers in Ilam, Iran. After obtaining written informed consent from the participants, data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic, cultural, social, and fertility-related characteristics, as well as items assessing attitudes toward childbearing. The questionnaire was administered online through the Porsline platform. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22). Independent t‑test, one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.
Results. The mean score of attitudes toward childbearing was 117.96, indicating a relatively high level of positive attitude among participants. Women’s age (P=0.006) and their spouses’ age (P=0.001) were inversely associated with decision‑making regarding childbearing. In addition, women’s age showed a significant inverse correlation with attitudes toward childbearing (P=0.011). Participation in social programs (P=0.041) and cultural activities (P=0.001) was significantly associated with the decision to attempt pregnancy. Furthermore, attitudes toward childbearing were significantly correlated with social interactions (P=0.005) and family engagement (P=0.019).
Conclusion. The findings suggest that attitudes and intentions toward childbearing among employees with one child are influenced by demographic characteristics, fertility‑related factors, as well as the level of family, social, and cultural interactions.
Practical Implications. These findings can help inform the development of policies and programs aimed at promoting childbearing among working populations.