Investigating the Challenges of One-child Families in Iran From the perspective of Parents: A Qualitative Study
4 affiliations
- 1Professor, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Department of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- 2PhD. Candidate in Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- 3Parvin Esfandiarinezhad PhD. Candidate in Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- 4Student in General medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: The increase in single-child families is one of the significant demographic shifts in most countries, including Iran. These families often face challenges and social issues. Objective: This study aimed to explore the challenges of single-child families in Iran from the perspective of parents. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted from August 2023 to January 2024, using a content analysis approach. Participants were 16 couples with only one child in Ahvaz, south of Iran. Sampling was done using the snowball method until data saturation was reached through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. To ensure the trustworthiness of the data, Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria were used. Results: Mothers were aged 30-41 years, and fathers were aged 36-47 years. In terms of education status, both parents mostly had high school diploma or university degrees. Based on the data analysis, from 138 codes, 9 sub-themes and three themes of “social challenges” (sub-themes were: child’s social incompatibility, child’s tendency to be alone, negative attitude of society towards only children), “parental challenges” (sub-themes were: parents’ strict rules, child’s high financial expectations, interference from others in parenting), and “psycho-emotional challenges” (sub-themes were: worry about the child’s future, worry about the child’s and own loneliness, high dependence of the child on parents) emerged. Conclusion: Parents with only one child in Iran face different challenges. Understanding these challenges can help take proactive steps to address them effectively and play a role in family planning decisions, potentially influencing some parents to consider expanding their family sizes.
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BibTeX
@article{iravani2026investigating,
title = {{Investigating the Challenges of One-child Families in Iran From the perspective of Parents: A Qualitative Study}},
author = {Mina Iravani and Leila Bozorgian and Parvin Esfandiarinezhad and Bahar Amirgholami},
journal = {Journal of Holistic Nursing and Midwifery},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Investigating the Challenges of One-child Families in Iran From the perspective of Parents: A Qualitative Study
AU - Mina Iravani
AU - Leila Bozorgian
AU - Parvin Esfandiarinezhad
AU - Bahar Amirgholami
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Journal of Holistic Nursing and Midwifery
AB - Introduction: The increase in single-child families is one of the significant demographic shifts in most countries, including Iran. These families often face challenges and social issues. Objective: This study aimed to explore the challenges of single-child families in Iran from the perspective of parents. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted from August 2023 to January 2024, using a content analysis approach. Participants were 16 couples with only one child in Ahvaz, south of Iran. Sampling was done using the snowball method until data saturation was reached through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. To ensure the trustworthiness of the data, Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria were used. Results: Mothers were aged 30-41 years, and fathers were aged 36-47 years. In terms of education status, both parents mostly had high school diploma or university degrees. Based on the data analysis, from 138 codes, 9 sub-themes and three themes of “social challenges” (sub-themes were: child’s social incompatibility, child’s tendency to be alone, negative attitude of society towards only children), “parental challenges” (sub-themes were: parents’ strict rules, child’s high financial expectations, interference from others in parenting), and “psycho-emotional challenges” (sub-themes were: worry about the child’s future, worry about the child’s and own loneliness, high dependence of the child on parents) emerged. Conclusion: Parents with only one child in Iran face different challenges. Understanding these challenges can help take proactive steps to address them effectively and play a role in family planning decisions, potentially influencing some parents to consider expanding their family sizes.
SN - 2588-3712
SN - 2588-3720
ER -