Exploring perceptions of policymakers about main strategies to enhance fertility rate: A qualitative study in Iran

Abstract

BackgroundTotal fertility rate in Iran has declined unprecedentedly over the past thirty years. However, debating on proper strategies to increase fertility is still a matter of discussion among experts.ObjectiveTo explain the main strategies to increase fertility from the viewpoints of the policy makers.MethodsThis is a qualitative study using content analysis. Purposeful sampling approach was used to gather data. The data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Eight experts participated in the study and the main criteria were executive experience related to public health, scientific publication in these areas and availability as well as their own interest. Content analysis was used to extract the codes.ResultsThe main theme extracted was improving the infrastructures. Almost all participants agreed on interventions around removing marriage obstacles, improving working conditions for women, improving the quality of the educational system, training and consultation, research, and improving services to increase fertility rate.ConclusionsThe government should formulate long-term instead of short-term policies, and note that improving the economic conditions along with the promotion of social welfare, and enabling women in balancing work and family, are highly influential in childbearing decision-making, as they ensure a better future for the next generation. In addition, people should touch on the potential risk of future fertility reduction, so it is suggested to inform the public through free discussions.

Psychological and Sociodemographic Predictors of Fertility Intention among Childbearing-Aged Women in Hamadan, West of Iran: An Application of the BASNEF Model

“…In recent years, considerable demographic changes have occurred around the world, among which the changes in fertility rates are one [1]. From the demographic perspective, fertility and childbearing are recognized as one of the most important determinants of population fluctuation, such that the demographic policies in most countries revolve around reducing or increasing fertility [2].…”

“…Reducing childbearing, in addition to having an impact on the population growth rate, can also affect the composition and structure of the population, such that there is a gradual shift from a younger to older age structure [4]. Iran is no exception when it comes to the process of population transition, and, in the last 30 years, the fertility rate has fallen below the succession level and progressed to a decline in childbearing [1]. The results of previous studies show that factors such as an increase in the age of marriage and that of the mother at the time of the first pregnancy, the broad coverage of contraceptive methods, gender equality, empowerment woman of low socioeconomic status, and changes in attitudes and fertility intentions have been effective in changing fertility behavior [5,6].…”

Contribution of Iranian researchers in Alzheimer's disease research: A 10 years scientometric analysis

“…Ascending growth of the elderly population and also an unprecedentedly decrease in fertility rate has became an issue to the Iran's healthcare system [11,12]. Recent research indicates that more than 500,000 individuals with dementia are living in Iran, which is higher than the estimates stated by the global burden of disease study in 2013 [6].…”

Predictors of Childbearing Willingness in the Center of Iran in 2019: A cross Sectional Study

“…Childbearing is an important phenomenon in demographic changes (1) and an important issue that should occur in a hopeful context because couples will be encouraged to have children if ideal conditions are provided (3,2). Fertility rates have fallen below the succession level (less than two children per woman) in most developed countries and some developing countries, including Iran (1).…”

“…Over the past two decades, the overall fertility rate of Iran (the average number of children per woman) has remained below the succession level, so that the frequency of two children per woman in 2000 (4) decreased to 1.8 in 2006 and then to 1.6 in 2016 (6,5,2). The continuation of rate of succession level is a concern of many low-fertility countries as it accelerates the population aging and reduced labor force and then has negative consequences for the national economic development (7).…”