Navigating parenthood in a climate change era: determinants of childbearing intentions in Iran

Climate change has significantly altered global ecosystems, including population dynamics, and consequently, decisions regarding childbearing. Climate change is considered one of the factors influencing childbearing intention. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the determinants of childbearing intention in women and men of reproductive age in the climate change era in Iran. The present qualitative study employs a conventional content analysis approach. The participants comprised 40 men and women of reproductive age residing in Qom, who were selected from February to July 2024 through purposive sampling while adhering to the principle of maximum diversity and were included in the study after providing informed consent. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved and were analyzed concurrently. During the inductive data analysis process, 360 codes and 5 main categories with 16 subcategories emerged. The main categories encompassed "Climate Change Awareness and Its Perceived Relevance to Childbearing Intention," "Ethical Dilemmas and Parental Responsibility," "Environmental and Economic Barriers to Childbearing," "Health Implications of Climate Change," and "Policy Demands for Climate-Resilient Parenthood." Childbearing intentions in the climate change era are shaped by a dynamic interplay of environmental, economic, health, and cultural factors. This understanding emphasizes the necessity of implementing multidisciplinary solutions to protect human health and fertility rates in the context of climate change.