A Rezaipour, Z Taghizadeh, S Faghihzadeh, Sh Bazzazian,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (1 2003)
Abstract
Unintended pregnancy is a world wide problem that affects women, their families, and society. From a total of 175 million pregnancies per year 75 million of them are unintended. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine prevalence of unintended pregnancies and pertinent factors and suggests an appropriate solution. A sample of 400 women who were seeking pregnancy tests in laboratories of hospitals affiliated of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, at the obstetric and gynecologic ward, and who had positive tests were selected by the Poisson random sampling method. Women who were found to have diseases such as hydatidiform mole were excluded. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Pregnancy intention was measured using NSFG 2001 questionnaire. Descriptive and analytic tests (chi-square, Fisher exact, t-test) were used to analyze the data. Prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 47.5%, of whom 36.3% hadn’t used contraception methods. Fear of side effects (66.7%) was the most prevalent reason of not using contraception. The main reason for unintended pregnancy was economical problems (42.6%). 63.7% of women with unintended pregnancy had used one of contraceptive method but 86.8% of users had used that method in an incorrect way. Also the results indicated that the age of women, educational status, number of children, husband’s age and education were associated with contraceptive use. The results indicated that prevalence of unintended pregnancy is high and the contraceptive methods weren't used or were used incorrectly by most of them (91.6%). This may show the necessity of training women about contraceptive methods and side effects of unintended pregnancy. Due to the important role of health care providers they should be trained to give such consultation to women.
Leili Borimnejad, Saeideh Bazzazian, Fatemeh Barkhordari, Nasrin Rezaiee,
Volume 31, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Iran currently experiences a fertility rate below the replacement level, with decisions regarding childbearing influenced by various factors. This study focuses on individual and familial perspectives that contribute to women's reluctance to have children.
Methods & Materials: This qualitative research employed a conventional content analysis approach conducted during the period of 2022-2023. The sample comprised married women, aged 30 to 45, residing in different regions of Tehran (north, south, west, east, and central) who have voluntarily chosen not to have children. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, guided by specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, utilizing a snowball sampling technique. Data saturation was achieved with a sample of 19 women. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s framework with the aid of MAXQDA 2022.
Results: Data analysis revealed two primary themes: familial factors and individual factors. Each theme comprised four categories, with two subcategories identified for each category. The familial factors include: (1) issues related to the family of origin, (2) mutual agreement on childlessness between partners, (3) instability in marital life, and (4) lack of marital satisfaction. The individual factors encompass: (1) idealism, (2) egocentrism and individualism, (3) negative health effects of childbearing on mothers, and (4) the conflict between maternal and professional roles, which are recognized as significant determinants in the decision not to have children.
Conclusion: This qualitative study sheds light on the complexity of the decision-making process regarding childlessness in this age group and highlights the need to address individual and familial factors alongside others, in population growth policies.
