A qualitative investigation into childbearing preferences among Kurdish women in Erbil

Childbearing is one of the most significant experiences in a woman's life. Childbearing preferences can shape how women deal with important experiences and how the health system plans for pregnant women to meet their expectations. This study aimed to develop a deep understanding of women's preferences regarding childbearing. A qualitative study of 16 women was conducted in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, from April to May 2022. The women were aged 20 to 34 and had two or more children. The required data were gathered through in-depth, semistructured interviews with participants. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The scripts were analyzed using six standard methodological activities, and the themes were extracted. Analyzing the transcripts revealed a main theme, labeled "big changes in childbearing preferences," indicating a significant shift in the number of children compared to the participants' mothers and grandmothers. This theme had three subthemes: "political situation," "economic uncertainty," and "social awareness," which together significantly influenced childbearing preferences, particularly toward fewer children and less sensitivity to the gender of children. Challenging economic and political conditions influence the observed changes in women's childbearing preferences. While these changes may have positive aspects, further exploration is needed to fully understand their implications. Raising public awareness through targeted programs and social media could help ensure that any shifts in preferences are more intentional and informed, potentially improving outcomes for mothers and children.