fertility awareness and childbearing attitudes among iranian undergraduate male students: a cross-sectional study

In recent years, many societies have reported a delay in childbearing and a decline in fertility rates, often attributed to higher levels of education. this study assessed university students’ fertility awareness and attitudes towards childbearing and related issues. this cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 medical and non-medical university students aged 18-30 in mazandaran province, iran. data were collected using a questionnaire, and statistical analyses were performed using a t-test in spss version 23. the mean age of the participants was 22.4 (sd=2.3) years, with 94% being single. most students (65.7%) expressed a desire to have children in the future. the most commonly preferred behavioral response among the students was assisted reproductive technology, followed by adoption, and lastly, accepting childlessness. the study also revealed that the most significant attitudes of male students regarding the impact of childbearing on their lives included forming a real family, fostering greater love and affection, introducing new interests into their lives, and strengthening their overall life experience. these were followed by attitudes such as gaining new perspectives on life, personal development, and leading a more fulfilling life, which were deemed relatively necessary. the least essential attitudes were related to concerns about worsening conditions in the labor market, reduced freedom, financial instability, limited opportunities and time for work and personal interests, and increased tension in marital relationships. given the low level of fertility awareness among students and its significance in fertility management and societal fertility rates, there is a need for educational programs aimed at increasing fertility awareness among university students.