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Background & Aim: The delay in childbearing is associated with a reduction in the total fertility rate and increase in the risk of pregnancy at an older age. Social learning theory has mostly been used to clarify the interaction between personal and environmental factors and behavior. In order to understand the factors underlying delayed childbearing, the present study aimed to predict the factors affecting the delay in first childbearing among young married women using the Bandura’s social learning theory.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 284 married women referred to the health centers and OB/GYN clinics of teaching hospitals in Mashhad in 2015-2016. The data collecting tool was comprised of five questionnaires regarding to personal and social factors. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlation co-efficient, linear regression and multivariate regression using the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The mean age of participants was 27.99±4.2, and the mean interval between marriage and the first child was 3.22±1.96, which was 1.25 years more than that of ideal spacing between marriage and childbirth. Multiple linear regressions showed negative and positive fertility motivations, perceived maternal self-efficacy, martial relationship, the number of sisters and childbearing-related religious beliefs had a significant effect on the interval between marriage and first childbirth (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The individual and environmental factors predicting delay in the first reproductive behavior were identified using the Bandura's social learning theory. The both factors should be considered in designing intervention programs for increasing fertility rate.
 

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Background & Aim: In recent years, significant changes have occurred in the dynamics of childbearing within familial context. Notably, Iranian families have witnessed a noticeable decline in the desire for childbearing and having additional children. The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of childbearing decision-making among women and men of reproductive age.
Methods & Materials: This study adopts a qualitative research design using the conventional content analysis approach in 2023. The participants comprised 19 married women and men of reproductive age living in Zanjan, who were purposively selected to ensure maximum variation. After obtaining informed consent, the participants were invited to participate in individual, semi-structured interviews. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached, with concurrent analysis conducted throughout the process. The textual data were managed using MAXQDA software, version 2020.
Results: Throughout the inductive data analysis process, seven main categories emerged as determinants of decision-making about childbearing. These categories included social role modeling, reflection within family structure, social and economic requirements, contemporary concerns in parenting, avoidance of responsibility and comfort-seeking, unpleasant past experiences and age-related challenges. Among these categories, social and economic requirements emerged as the most prevalent concept across all interviews, with a total of 505 open codes associated with this category.
Conclusion: The normalization of reduced childbearing rates within the society, accompanied by shifting values and attitudes towards the significance of children, as well as economic and social problems have contributed to an increasing preference for smaller families. Furthermore, the desire for fewer children can be viewed as a response to the individualistic tendencies of women and men, as well as a means of avoiding parenting concerns.