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

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.

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.

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.

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.