Exploration of Informational Needs Regarding Childbearing in Iranian Women: A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;

2 Nursing and Midwifery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;

3 Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;

4 Department of Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Sharoud, Iran

10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.102474.2488

Abstract

Background: Family is the foundation of social institutions, and having children is considered the
basic pillar of the family. In this regard, women need information about childbearing to help them in
this process. This study aimed to explain the informational needs of women regarding childbearing.
Methods: This conventional content analysis study was performed on 24 participants including 18
women and 6 experts, who were purposively selected from urban health centers in Mashhad, Kerman,
Tehran, Sari, and Ahvaz cities from February to August 2023. Face-to-face, semi-structured, and
in-depth interviews were conducted for data collection until data saturation was attained. The collected
data were analyzed based on Graneheim and Lundman’s approach. Moreover, MAXQDA software
version 20 was used for the organization of data.
Results: Data analysis demonstrated three main categories and six subcategories. The main categories
were 1) need for specialized reproductive health information and parenting skills, 2) need for supportive
information to strengthen maternal identity, and 3) need for social and cultural information related to
childbearing and population dynamics.
Conclusion: Women need various information in different fields for childbearing. Therefore, the
provision of relevant information in line with the needs of women can facilitate childbearing.

Keywords