A Comparative Study of Premarital Fertility Knowledge, Childbearing Intentions, and Parenting Attitudes Among Iranian Women and Men Publisher



Khalajabadi Farahani F¹ ; Gharacheh M² ; Montazeri S³ ; Mirghafourvand M⁴ ; Sadeghi T⁵ ; Taheri M⁶ ; Haghani S² ; Ranjbar F² Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Population Research Published:2025

Abstract

Understanding fertility knowledge, attitudes, and intentions is essential for analyzing reproductive behaviors and gender influences on fertility decisions. Existing research focuses mainly on women, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive approaches. This study examines gender differences in fertility awareness, parenting attitudes, and childbearing intentions among individuals seeking premarital health certificates in public health centers across five major cities in Iran. An online survey conducted from June 2021 to March 2022 included 1,533 women aged 18 to 35 and 1,405 men aged 18 to 45, all without prior marriages. Results showed no significant difference in overall fertility knowledge scores between men and women (48.08% vs. 48.3%, p = 0.694). However, men exhibited a higher willingness to have children compared to women (88.9% vs. 84.4%, p < 0.001) and a stronger inclination toward larger families (p < 0.001). Additionally, women wanted to have their first child between the ages of 25 and 29, whereas men preferred to have their first child between 30 and 34. For the last child, women aimed for ages 30–34, while men expected 35–39 years, highlighting significant differences in parental timing (p < 0.001). Men rated the importance of parenthood higher (7.88 ± 2.84 vs. 7.64 ± 2.96, p = 0.027). In the context of deciding to have children, both genders stressed the significance of three primary factors: maintaining a stable relationship, having a partner to share responsibilities, and reaching a sufficient level of maturity. To effectively achieve the objectives of pronatalist policies in Iran, childbearing policies must take into account gender differences in fertility preferences, particularly the lower willingness of women to have children and their lesser inclination toward larger families compared to men. It is essential to pay special attention to the significant roles and aspirations of women in this context. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.