Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Perspectives on Iran’s Population Support Law: A Mixed-Method Study

Background: Demographic changes have emerged as a primary concern for policymakers across various sectors, particularly in health and healthcare. In response to these challenges, the Family and Youth Population Support Law was developed to increase fertility rates and support families.Aim: The present study was conducted to examine nursing students’ knowledge and perspectives regarding this law in Iran.Method: This convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases: quantitative and qualitative. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-made questionnaire was developed based on the contents of the Family and Youth Population Support Law in Iran. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ۲۳ nursing students to explore their perspectives. Data management was performed using MAXQDA ۱۰ software. Data were analyzed using a directed qualitative content analysis following the approach proposed by Elo and Kyngäs.Results: The quantitative findings regarding students' knowledge and awareness of the provisions of the Family and Youth Population Support Law showed that the mean total score was ۷۱.۵۸%. The qualitative findings on students’ perspectives regarding the Family and Youth Population Support Law and childbearing led to the emergence of six subcategories and two main categories: ۱. Transformation of childbearing in the context of modernity, and ۲. Challenges and concerns about the future of children under the shadow of policymaking and law implementation. Implications for Practice: The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing educational programs related to this law within universities and for promoting active student engagement in its implementation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Family ، Law ، mixed methods study ، Nursing students