Shahroud University of Medical siences Shahroud Journal of Medical Sciences 2423-6594 12 4 2026 08 09 Explaining the Challenges of Childbearing From the Perspective of Married Students: A Qualitative Study 31 37 eng Mina Iravani Professor of Reproductive Health, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center and Menopause Andropause Research Center, Department of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. minairavani2004@yahoo.com Leila Bozorgian Ph.D candidate in Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. liela.bozorgian1@gmail.com Parvin Esfandiarinezhad Ph.D candidate in Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. parvinesfandiarinezhad@yahoo.com Bahar Amirgholami Student in General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.. Baharamirgholami@yahoo.com 2025 05 15 2025 10 08 Background: The global decline in fertility rates represents a major demographic shift, a phenomenon notably present in Iran. Recognizing students as a vital demographic within their prime reproductive window, this study sought to clarify the challenges of childbearing from the viewpoint of married students. Methods: The present study is a qualitative research using a content analysis approach conducted among married students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was done purposefully and continued until data saturation. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 married students who met the inclusion criteria for the study. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA 20 and the conventional content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman. Results: The results included one overarching theme: "A Challenging Decision," and five main categories: 1. "Cultural Challenges," 2. "Social Challenges," 3. "Economic Challenges," 4. "Family Challenges," and 5. " Academic Challenges," along with 18 subcategories. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that childbearing is a difficult and challenging decision for married students. Therefore, considering the role that students, as active members of society, can play in achieving healthy childbearing, it is suggested that policymakers and planners of the health and medical system strive to overcome these concerns by offering short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions.