The relationship between perceived social support and childbearing desire among married university students in Southeastern Iran

BACKGROUND: Declining fertility rates and changes in family structures have made childbearing desire an important population health concern. Social support, particularly perceived social support, is considered a key factor influencing individuals' emotional well-being and reproductive intentions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived social support and childbearing desire among married university students in Sirjan, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 287 married university students selected through stratified sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Childbearing Desire Questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83), and the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS; Cronbach's alpha range = 0.74-0.93). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test due to non-normal data distribution. RESULTS: The results showed a significant positive correlation between childbearing desire and perceived social support (r = 0.188, p = 0.001). Among social support dimensions, emotional/informational support demonstrated the strongest association with childbearing desire (r = 0.255, p < 0.001). Childbearing desire was also positively associated with age and number of children, while participants with better economic status reported significantly higher childbearing desire (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Perceived social support, particularly emotional and informational support, plays an important role in shaping childbearing desire among married university students. Strengthening social support systems and improving economic conditions may help promote positive reproductive intentions. Married students who feel more supported by family and others are more likely to want children. Policies that improve emotional support and financial stability may encourage childbearing among young couples.