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Kaptein AA, Harper JC, Dool GVD, Schoonenberg M, Smeenk J, Daneshpour H, Troost M, van Wijk LM, Tielen N, Smit E, Laven J, Hoek A, Boivin J. Business case for psychosocial interventions in clinics: potential for decrease in treatment discontinuation and costs. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:104113. [PMID: 39043044 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION From a value-based healthcare (VBHC) perspective, does an assessment of clinical outcomes and intervention costs indicate that providing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness to women seeking fertility treatment add value compared with no such intervention? DESIGN Proof-of-concept business case based on a VBHC perspective that considers clinical outcomes and costs. Potential effects on psychological and fertility outcomes were based on existing research. Cost outcomes were estimated with a costing model for the Dutch fertility treatment setting. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were identified; 13 were included. Women who received CBT had 12% lower anxiety, 40% lower depression and 6% higher fertility quality of life; difference in clinical pregnancy rates was six percentage points (CBT [30.2%]; control [24.2%]); difference in fertility discontinuation rates was 10 percentage points (CBT [5.5%]; control [15.2%]). Women who received training in mindfulness had 8% lower anxiety, 45% lower depression and 21% higher fertility quality of life; difference in mean clinical pregnancy rate was 19 percentage points (mindfulness [44.8%]; control [26.0%]). Potential total cost savings was about €1.2 million per year if CBT was provided and €11 million if mindfulness was provided. Corresponding return on investment for CBT was 30.7%, and for mindfulness 288%. Potential cost benefits are influenced by the assumed clinical pregnancy rates; such data related to mindfulness were limited to one study. CONCLUSIONS The provision of CBT or mindfulness to women seeking fertility treatment could add value. Higher quality primary studies are needed on the effect of mindfulness on clinical pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ad A Kaptein
- Department of Medical Psychology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce C Harper
- UCL Institute for Women's Health, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, England WC1E 6HX, UK
| | | | | | - Jesper Smeenk
- Center for Reproduction Brabant - Gynaecology, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Hilvarenbeekseweg 60, 5022 GC Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Hirad Daneshpour
- KPMG Health, Laan van Langerhuize 1, 1186 DS Amstelveen, The Netherlands
| | - Meike Troost
- KPMG Health, Laan van Langerhuize 1, 1186 DS Amstelveen, The Netherlands
| | - Lise M van Wijk
- Ferring B.V., Polarisavenue 130, 2132 JX Hoofddorp, The Netherlands; Jade 16, 2371LB Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands
| | - Naomi Tielen
- Ferring B.V., Polarisavenue 130, 2132 JX Hoofddorp, The Netherlands; Gerwenseweg 27, 5708 EH Helmond, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Smit
- Ferring B.V., Polarisavenue 130, 2132 JX Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Joop Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Hoek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacky Boivin
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AT, UK.
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Tierney KI, Greil AL, Bell AV. Socioeconomic and Racial/Ethnic Inequalities in Infertility Prevalence, Help-Seeking, and Help Received Since 1995. Womens Health Issues 2024:S1049-3867(24)00025-2. [PMID: 38692970 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, infertility and treatment for infertility are marked by racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities. Simultaneously, biomedical advances and increased public health attention toward preventing and addressing infertility have grown. It is not known, however, whether the racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities observed in infertility prevalence, help-seeking, or help received have changed over time. METHODS Using National Survey of Family Growth data (1995 through 2017-2019 cycles), this study applied multivariable logistic regression with interaction terms to investigate whether and how racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in 1) the prevalence of infertility, 2) ever seeking help to become pregnant, and 3) use of common types of medical help (advice, testing, medication for ovulation, surgery for blocked tubes, and artificial insemination) have changed over time. RESULTS The results showed persisting, rather than narrowing or increasing, inequalities in the prevalence of infertility and help-seeking overall. The results showed persisting racial/ethnic inequalities in testing, ovulation medication use, and surgery for blocked tubes. By contrast, the results showed widening socioeconomic inequalities in testing and narrowing inequalities in the use of ovulation medications. CONCLUSIONS There is little evidence to suggest policy interventions, biomedical advances, or increased public health awareness has narrowed inequalities in infertility prevalence, treatment seeking, or use of specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur L Greil
- Division of Social Sciences, Alfred University, Alfred, New York
| | - Ann V Bell
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
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Nadjarzadeh A, Fallahzadeh A, Abasi A, Poornematy MM, Farahzadi HR, Fatemi Aghda SA. Determining the content and needs assessment a mobile-based self-care program in infertile men. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:258. [PMID: 37957627 PMCID: PMC10644630 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02366-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a public health problem in the world, using new technology, such as mobile phones, is increasing in the field of health. This study aimed to determine the Necessity of self-care training contents by performing a needs analysis among men with infertility problems to design a mobile phone-based application. METHODS Followed by reviewing the related literature, a questionnaire including 40 educational items and seven software features was designed in three general sections and distributed among 30 specialists in nutrition (n = 18) and infertility (n = 12). The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts in nutrition, infertility, and medical informatics. The questionnaire's reliability was also corroborated by Cronbach's alpha of 86.4. RESULTS All items related to the software features and most items in the questionnaire were deemed necessary by participants. However, the items: "Occupation and history of chronic diseases" in the demographic information section and "Effects of infertility and food allergy" in the educational section were not confirmed. CONCLUSION The present findings could not only highlight the patients' roles in managing their disease but also increase the healthcare workers' awareness in designing the hospital information system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Nadjarzadeh
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alireza Fallahzadeh
- Research Center for Health Technology Assessment and Medical Informatics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Arezoo Abasi
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Poornematy
- Research Center for Health Technology Assessment and Medical Informatics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Farahzadi
- Research Center for Health Technology Assessment and Medical Informatics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Fatemi Aghda
- Research Center for Health Technology Assessment and Medical Informatics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Köksal S, Goisis A. Loneliness during the Pregnancy-Seeking Process: Exploring the Role of Medically Assisted Reproduction. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 64:209-227. [PMID: 37144327 DOI: 10.1177/00221465231167847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This study explores whether undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is associated with experiencing loneliness and whether this association varies by gender and having a live birth. Using two waves of the Generations and Gender Survey (n = 2,725) from countries in Central and Eastern Europe, we estimate the changes in levels of emotional and social loneliness among pregnancy seekers in heterosexual relationships and test if they vary by the mode of conception while controlling for individual sociodemographic characteristics. Individuals who underwent MAR experienced increased levels of social loneliness compared to individuals who were trying to conceive spontaneously. This association is entirely driven by respondents who did not have a live birth between the two observation periods, while the results did not differ by gender. No differences emerged in emotional loneliness. Our findings suggest that increased social loneliness during the MAR process might be attributable to infertility-related stress and stigma.
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Perrotta M, Hamper J. Patient informed choice in the age of evidence-based medicine: IVF patients' approaches to biomedical evidence and fertility treatment add-ons. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2023; 45:225-241. [PMID: 36369731 PMCID: PMC10100272 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing offer of fertility treatment by a largely privatised sector, which has involved the proliferation of treatment add-ons lacking evidence of effectiveness, In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) patients are expected to make informed choices on what to include in their treatment. Drawing on interviews with 51 individuals undergoing fertility treatment, this article explores patients' approaches to medical evidence interpretation and its role in their decisions to include add-ons. While most IVF patients share understandings of what counts as medical evidence, our findings show how their approaches also differ. Our analysis focuses on how patients negotiate the notion of medical evidence and its relation to other forms of experience or knowledge. We present four different approaches to evidence in IVF: (1) delegating evaluations of evidence to experts; (2) critically assessing available evidence; (3) acknowledging the process of making evidence; and (4) contextualising evidence in their lived experience of infertility. We suggest that patients' choice to include add-ons is not due to a lack of information on or understanding of evidence, but rather should be interpreted as part of the complexity of patients' experiences of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Perrotta
- Department of People and OrganisationsQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Josie Hamper
- Department of People and OrganisationsQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
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Yi H, Yang M, Tang H, Lin M. Risk Factors of Pregnancy Failure in Infertile Patients Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:8807-8817. [PMID: 36605334 PMCID: PMC9809353 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s394236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infertile couples need to use assisted reproductive technology (ART) to give birth. However, pregnancy failure after ART is not uncommon. At present, the results of studies on the causes of pregnancy failure after ART are inconsistent. Methods A retrospective cohort study involving 715 embryo transfer cycles was conducted at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Meizhou People's Hospital, from December 2015 to June 2022. According to the pregnancy, they were divided into clinical pregnancy group and pregnancy failure group. The relationship between demographic characteristics and pregnancy status between the two groups was analyzed. Results The pregnancy failure rate after ART was 49.7% (355/715). There were statistically significant distribution differences of maternal age, paternal age, COH protocols, and number of embryos transferred between clinical pregnancy and pregnancy failure groups (all P<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis shows that high maternal age (>35 years old vs ≤35 years old: OR 2.173, 95% CI: 1.386-3.407, P=0.001), and GnRH-a short protocol (GnRH-a short protocol vs GnRH-a long protocol: OR 2.139, 95% CI: 1.127-4.058, P=0.020) may increase risk of pregnancy failure in ART pregnancies, while two embryos transferred (two embryos transferred vs one embryo transferred: OR 0.563, 95% CI: 0.377-0.839, P=0.005) may reduce risk of pregnancy failure. In addition, high maternal age, GnRH antagonist protocol, and GnRH-a short protocol may increase risk of implantation failure, while two embryos transferred may reduce risk of implantation failure. And high maternal age may increase risk of biochemical pregnancy. Conclusion The risk of pregnancy failure increased in ART cycles with maternal age >35 years old and GnRH-a short protocol, while reduced with two embryos transferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honggan Yi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Honggan Yi, Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 63 Huangtang Road, Meijiang District, Meizhou, 514031, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 753-2131-883, Email
| | - Man Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyu Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mei Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China
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Tang H, Yang M, Yi H, Lin M. Risk Factors of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in Singletons Conceived Through Frozen Embryo Transfer: A Retrospective Study. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:8693-8704. [PMID: 36575734 PMCID: PMC9790167 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s394231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risks of adverse perinatal outcomes in offspring conceived following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) assisted reproductive technology (ART) are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for preterm birth and low birth weight in singletons after FET. Methods 386 FET cycles was conducted at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Meizhou People's Hospital. The relationship between clinical characteristics and outcomes (term birth and preterm birth, normal birth weight and low birth weight) was analyzed. Results The rate of primary infertility, basal FSH and T levels, gestational age, birth weight, and proportion of male fetuses were significantly different in the preterm and full-term groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that high maternal age (≥35 years) (OR 3.652, 95% CI: 1.683-7.925, P=0.001), primary infertility (OR 2.869, 95% CI: 1.461-5.632, P=0.002), low FSH level (<6.215 mIU/mL) (OR 3.272, 95% CI: 1.743-6.144, P<0.001), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) method (OR 2.780, 95% CI: 1.088-7.100, P=0.033) may increase risk of preterm birth after FET. Gestational age and birth weight were significantly different in fetuses with low birth weight (<2500g, n=38) and normal birth weight (≥2500g and <4000g, n=333). Logistic regression analysis showed that low basal FSH level (<6.215 mIU/mL) (OR 0.425, 95% CI: 0.209-0.865, P=0.018), and HRT method of endometrial preparation for FET (OR 0.272, 95% CI: 0.079-0.934, P=0.039) may reduce the risk of low birth weight after FET. Conclusion High maternal age, primary infertility, low FSH level, HRT method of endometrial preparation for FET, and male fetus may increase risk of preterm birth after FET. In addition, primary infertility, low basal FSH level, and HRT method of endometrial preparation may reduce the risk of low birth weight after FET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Haiyu Tang, Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 63 Huang tang Road, Meijiang District, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 753-2131-883, Email
| | - Man Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honggan Yi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mei Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translational Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China
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Patra S, Unisa S. An exploration of treatment seeking behavior of women experienced infertility and need for services in rural India. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:978085. [PMID: 36303623 PMCID: PMC9580773 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.978085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTo make informed decisions on fertility treatment, couples need to understand the treatment options available to them. A wide range of treatment options is available from the traditional and biomedical service providers in India. There is a dearth of research to find out factors that influence the treatment-seeking behavior of couples, particularly in rural areas.ObjectivesThe study aimed to document the treatment-seeking behavior of women for their infertility problems. Further, the research focused on the socio-economic determinants affecting allopathic treatment-seeking of women and the services needed for couples experiencing infertility in rural India.MethodsThe study is cross-sectional. Primary data were collected from the two high infertility prevalence districts. Complete mapping and listing were carried out to identify the eligible respondents. A total of 159 ever-married women (20–49 years) out of 172 identified women were interviewed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsAmong 159 interviewed women, only three did not seek any kind of treatment. Of the 156 women, 63, 65, and 28 women (mutually exclusive) received first, second and third-order treatment, respectively. The number of women decreased in the succeeding phases of infertility. Women aged above 35 years, were significantly less (OR = 0.310, p < 0.05) compared to women aged below 30 years to receive allopathic treatment. The use of allopathic treatment was significantly three times higher among women who were educated (OR = 3.712, p < 0.01) and two times higher among those who were exposed (OR = 2.217, p < 0.5) to media. Further, for those who had felt the treatment was necessary, about 30, 44, 10, and 19% mentioned that due to unaffordability, inaccessibility, or inconveniences they couldn't consult allopathic treatment.ConclusionsTimely diagnosis and appropriate treatment play important role in infertility management. Women who are more educated and are exposed to media tend to consult allopathic treatment. Similarly, time and money spent on care vary significantly and independently by type of treatment and socioeconomic factors. There is a need for mandatory insurance coverage for infertility treatment enacted by the state government. In addition to the public services, the private sector and the traditional healers are both important alternative sources of first help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraboni Patra
- Department of Population and Development, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India
- *Correspondence: Shraboni Patra
| | - Sayeed Unisa
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India
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A dyadic approach to the study of perceived subfecundity and contraceptive use. DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.4054/demres.2022.47.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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10
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Kuhnt AK. Families formed through assisted reproductive technology: Causes, experiences, and consequences in an international context. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2022; 14:289-296. [PMID: 35419497 PMCID: PMC8907601 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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11
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Iino K, Fukuhara R, Yokota M, Yokoyama Y. Fertility awareness and subclinical infertility among women trying to get pregnant at home. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:43. [PMID: 35184726 PMCID: PMC8859874 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies on fertility awareness among the reproductive population have reported the lack of accurate knowledge about fertility and assisted reproductive technologies. However, there has been little information regarding women trying to get pregnant at home. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of subclinical infertility among women trying to get pregnant at home, and to evaluate awareness regarding infertility and reasons for not visiting infertility clinics among women who use pregnancy-assist mobile applications to help them conceive. Methods A total of 2084 Japanese women responded to this online survey. We selected 1541 women according to the study criteria. Based on the results of 61 questions, we evaluated knowledge regarding fertility, prevalence of subclinical infertility, and reasons for not visiting the clinic among the participants. Results Despite the desire to conceive, the participants had an apparent tendency to overestimate the age limit for childbearing. A total of 338 (21.9%) women answered that in general women aged > 45 years could get pregnant. Approximately 40% of the women had possible subclinical infertility and were unaware of the fact. Additionally, about 70% of the women considered themselves to have infertility problems. Women who were aware of the possibility of infertility hesitated to visit the clinic due to unfamiliarity with a gynecologist or clinic, and apprehensions about the gynecologic examination. Conclusions In our study, some women required treatment for infertility. Nonetheless, they hesitated to visit an infertility clinic. Sexual health education, together with proper accessibility to gynecology clinics, are necessary to reduce involuntary childlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Iino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu Hirosaki, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan. .,National Hospital Organization Hirosaki National Hospital, 1 Tominotyo, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8545, Japan.
| | - Rie Fukuhara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu Hirosaki, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Megumi Yokota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu Hirosaki, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Yokoyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu Hirosaki, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan
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Mounce G, Allan HT, Carey N. 'Just have some IVF!': A longitudinal ethnographic study of couples' experiences of seeking fertility treatment. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2022; 44:308-327. [PMID: 35076088 PMCID: PMC9303759 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We present findings from a longitudinal ethnographic study of infertile couples seeking treatment following initial GP referral to specialist fertility services. Repeated observations and interviews were undertaken with the same 14 heterosexual participants over an 18-month period. Heterosexual, non-donor couples comprise the majority of fertility clinic patients; however, research interest in this group has dwindled over time as IVF cycles have increased. In the United Kingdom, IVF is presented as a logical response to involuntary childlessness, and as an entirely predictable, and linear, course of action. The market is well-developed and often patients' first experience of privatised health care in the NHS. Our couples were challenged by this, and while they felt expected to move on to IVF, some wished to explore other options. While IVF is ubiquitous, the discomfort and challenge around fertility treatments remain; experiences are prolonged and characterised by recursive narratives and expressions of disequilibrium, which are rarely acknowledged and reflected in ongoing clinic-patient interactions. Our findings develop understanding of the process of 'mazing' (Image - The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 1989, 21, 220), the pursuit of parenthood, by showing that the routine and normative status of IVF, at least in the current health care context, is at odds with the lived experiences of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginny Mounce
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyOxford Brookes University/University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Helen T Allan
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Child HealthMiddlesex UniversityMiddlesexUK
| | - Nicola Carey
- Department of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of the Highlands and IslandsInvernessUK
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Olorunfemi O, Omobude M, Okafor F. Uptake of in-vitro fertilization among couples attending fertility clinic in a tertiary health institution. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.335857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Sripad P, Desai S, Regules R, Chakraborty S, Habib H, Viloria AR, Ankomah A, Fuseini K, Jarvis L, Kirk K, Tawab N, Hindin M. Exploring experiences of infertility amongst women and men in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a qualitative systematic review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050528. [PMID: 34789491 PMCID: PMC8601060 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertility is increasingly recognised as a global public health issue for women and men that merits further investigation to support policy and programming. While research in high-income settings has examined the consequences of infertility and access to services, there has been limited synthesis of how individuals experience infertility in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This protocol describes a systematic review that will synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences of infertility among women and men in LMICs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The review will follow the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) guidelines for reporting on qualitative evidence syntheses. The study team will search for published literature in PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus and PsycINFO databases and review available grey literature. Using Covidence software, two independent reviewers will conduct title and abstract screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by full-text reviews and extraction by a larger team. Quality will be appraised using an adapted version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme guidelines. We will conduct thematic synthesis to characterise individual experiences and related factors at the individual, interpersonal, community and health system levels. We will develop a conceptual framework to describe evidence on experiences of infertility in LMICs and to help inform interventions across settings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol has been internally approved as exempt by the Institutional Review Board of the Population Council, as it does not involve contact with human subjects or personally identifying data. Results of the review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be used to inform future infertility research and programming in LMICs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021227742.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen Kirk
- Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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