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Torkel S, Wang R, Norman RJ, Zhao L, Liu K, Boden D, Xu W, Moran L, Cowan S. Barriers and enablers to a healthy lifestyle in people with infertility: a mixed-methods systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:569-583. [PMID: 38743500 PMCID: PMC11369225 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is a recognized role of optimizing lifestyle (diet and physical activity) behaviours in the management of infertility, the best practice remains unknown and factors influencing the lifestyle of people with infertility are not well understood. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This systematic review evaluated barriers and enablers to a healthy lifestyle in people with infertility, from the perspectives of people with infertility and health professionals, in order to inform optimal behavioural change strategies. SEARCH METHODS Ovid MEDLINE(R), PsycINFO, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, and CINAHL were searched from inception to 28 August 2023. Eligible studies were qualitative and quantitative primary studies that explored barriers and/or enablers to lifestyle for infertility management. Quality assessment was performed using the Centre for Evidence-Based Management Critical Appraisal of a Survey Tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. Data were analysed by thematic analysis with themes mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). OUTCOMES After screening 12 326 abstracts and 99 full-texts, 27 studies were included (12 quantitative, 6 qualitative and 9 mixed-methods) with 22 studies of women with infertility (n = 2524), 11 studies of men with infertility (n = 1407), and 6 studies of health professionals (n = 372). We identified barriers and enablers relating to capability (e.g. strategies for behaviour change), opportunity (e.g. limited time, resources, and money), and motivation (e.g. interplay between lifestyle and emotional state). Based on the identified themes, suggested intervention components to integrate into lifestyle management of infertility include facilitating development of self-management skills to support lifestyle change (e.g. self-monitoring, action planning, and goal setting) and incorporating mental health strategies (e.g. providing information about the benefits of healthy lifestyle behaviours for mental health and encouraging patients to reframe healthy lifestyle behaviours as self-care strategies). WIDER IMPLICATIONS The findings have identified important factors that influence lifestyle management in people with infertility and have suggested relevant intervention components to consider when designing interventions. Given the paucity of qualitative studies identified, more research is needed to further understand the complex and interacting factors that shape lifestyle during the fertility journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Torkel
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lijun Zhao
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kai Liu
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dana Boden
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wentong Xu
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Cowan
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Esteves SC, Yarali H, Vuong LN, Carvalho JF, Özbek İY, Polat M, Le HL, Pham TD, Ho TM, Humaidan P, Alviggi C. Cumulative delivery rate per aspiration IVF/ICSI cycle in POSEIDON patients: a real-world evidence study of 9073 patients. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2157-2169. [PMID: 34179973 PMCID: PMC8289325 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the cumulative delivery rate (CDR) per aspiration IVF/ICSI cycle in low-prognosis patients as defined by the Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria? SUMMARY ANSWER The CDR of POSEIDON patients was on average ∼50% lower than in normal responders and varied across POSEIDON groups; differences were primarily determined by female age, number of embryos obtained, number of embryo transfer (ET) cycles per patient, number of oocytes retrieved, duration of infertility, and BMI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The POSEIDON criteria aim to underline differences related to a poor or suboptimal treatment outcome in terms of oocyte quality and quantity among patients undergoing IVF/ICSI, and thus, create more homogenous groups for the clinical management of infertility and research. POSEIDON patients are presumed to be at a higher risk of failing to achieve a live birth after IVF/ICSI treatment than normal responders with an adequate ovarian reserve. The CDR per initiated/aspiration cycle after the transfer of all fresh and frozen–thawed/warmed embryos has been suggested to be the critical endpoint that sets these groups apart. However, no multicenter study has yet substantiated the validity of the POSEIDON classification in identifying relevant subpopulations of patients with low-prognosis in IVF/ICSI treatment using real-world data. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Multicenter population-based retrospective cohort study involving 9073 patients treated in three fertility clinics in Brazil, Turkey and Vietnam between 2015 and 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were women with infertility between 22 and 42 years old in their first IVF/ICSI cycle of standard ovarian stimulation whose fresh and/or frozen embryos were transferred until delivery of a live born or until all embryos were used. Patients were retrospectively classified according to the POSEIDON criteria into four groups based on female age, antral follicle count (AFC), and the number of oocytes retrieved or into a control group of normal responders (non-POSEIDON). POSEIDON patients encompassed younger (<35 years) and older (35 years or above) women with an AFC ≥5 and an unexpected poor (<4 retrieved oocytes) or suboptimal (4–9 retrieved oocytes) response to stimulation, and respective younger and older counterparts with an impaired ovarian reserve (i.e. expected poor responders; AFC <5). Non-POSEIDON patients were those with AFC ≥5 and >9 oocytes retrieved. CDR was computed per one aspirated cycle. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the association between patient classification and CDR. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE The CDR was lower in the POSEIDON patients than in the non-POSEIDON patients (33.7% vs 50.6%; P < 0.001) and differed across POSEIDON groups (younger unexpected poor responder [Group 1a; n = 212]: 27.8%, younger unexpected suboptimal responder [Group 1b; n = 1785]: 47.8%, older unexpected poor responder [Group 2a; n = 293]: 14.0%, older unexpected suboptimal responder [Group 2b; n = 1275]: 30.5%, younger expected poor responder [Group 3; n = 245]: 29.4%, and older expected poor responder [Group 4; n = 623]: 12.5%. Among unexpected suboptimal/poor responders (POSEIDON Groups 1 and 2), the CDR was twice as high in suboptimal responders (4–9 oocytes retrieved) as in poor responders (<4 oocytes) (P = 0.0004). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the POSEIDON grouping, number of embryos obtained, number of ET cycles per patient, number of oocytes collected, female age, duration of infertility and BMI were relevant predictors for CDR (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study relied on the antral follicle count as the biomarker used for patient classification. Ovarian stimulation protocols varied across study centers, potentially affecting patient classification. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS POSEIDON patients exhibit lower CDR per aspirated IVF/ICSI cycle than normal responders; the differences are mainly determined by female age and number of oocytes retrieved, thereby reflecting the importance of oocyte quality and quantity. Our data substantiate the validity of the POSEIDON criteria in identifying relevant subpopulations of patients with low-prognosis in IVF/ICSI treatment. Efforts in terms of early diagnosis, prevention, and identification of specific interventions that might benefit POSEIDON patients are warranted. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Unrestricted investigator-sponsored study grant (MS200059_0013) from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The funder had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, decision to publish or manuscript preparation. S.C.E. declares receipt of unrestricted research grants from Merck and lecture fees from Merck and Med.E.A. H.Y. declares receipt of payment for lectures from Merck and Ferring. L.N.V. receives speaker fees and conferences from Merck, Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) and Ferring and research grants from MSD and Ferring. J.F.C. declares receipt of statistical services fees from ANDROFERT Clinic. T.M.H. received speaker fees and conferences from Merck, MSD and Ferring. P.H. declares receipt of unrestricted research grants from Merck, Ferring, Gedeon Richter and IBSA and lecture fees from Merck, Gedeon Richter and Med.E.A. C.A. declares receipt of unrestricted research grants from Merck and lecture fees from Merck. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Hakan Yarali
- Anatolia IVF, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | - Ho L Le
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Toan D Pham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Fertility Clinic Skive, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Preconception Care to Reduce the Risks of Overweight and Obesity in Women of Reproductive Age: An Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094582. [PMID: 33925982 PMCID: PMC8123690 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite adverse pregnancy outcomes for women with overweight or obesity, preconception guidelines for achieving optimal wellness for women contemplating pregnancy regarding the risks of overweight or obesity are varied based upon national affiliation. The aim of this study was to synthesize the best evidence related to preconception counseling and care focused on overweight or obesity provided to women of reproductive age. An integrative review of original studies was conducted. PubMed, Cumulative Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were included. Full-text, data-based articles were searched from 2009 to 2018, with reviews and synthesis completed in 2019 and 2020. Of 8703 initial articles, 31 articles remained in the review. Quality assessment and level of evidence were evaluated based upon criteria from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Quality Guide. The level of evidence for the majority of studies was non-experimental but they were of good quality with appropriate methods, samples and relevant results. Limited attention and interest in preconception counseling regarding risks of overweight or obesity by health care professionals were noted, which may contribute to women’s unawareness of these risks on preconception health.
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Chronopoulou E, Seifalian A, Stephenson J, Serhal P, Saab W, Seshadri S. Preconceptual care for couples seeking fertility treatment, an evidence-based approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Esteves SC, Yarali H, Vuong LN, Carvalho JF, Özbek İY, Polat M, Le HL, Pham TD, Ho TM. Low Prognosis by the POSEIDON Criteria in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Multicenter and Multinational Prevalence Study of Over 13,000 Patients. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:630550. [PMID: 33790862 PMCID: PMC8006427 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.630550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of low-prognosis patients according to the POSEIDON criteria using real-world data. DESIGN Multicenter population-based cohort study. SETTINGS Fertility clinics in Brazil, Turkey, and Vietnam. PATIENTS Infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology using standard ovarian stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Per-period prevalence rates of POSEIDON patients (overall, stratified by POSEIDON groups and by study center) and the effect of covariates on the probability that a patient be classified as "POSEIDON". RESULTS A total of 13,146 patients were included. POSEIDON patients represented 43.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.0-43.7) of the studied population, and the prevalence rates varied across study centers (range: 38.6-55.7%). The overall prevalence rates by POSEIDON groups were 44.2% (group 1; 95% CI 42.6-45.9), 36.1% (group 2; 95% CI 34.6-37.7), 5.2% (group 3; 95% CI 4.5-6.0), and 14.4% (group 4; 95% CI: 13.3-15.6). In general, POSEIDON patients were older, had a higher body mass index (BMI), lower ovarian reserve markers, and a higher frequency of female factor as the primary treatment indication than non-POSEIDON patients. The former required larger doses of gonadotropin for ovarian stimulation, despite achieving a 2.5 times lower number of retrieved oocytes than non-POSEIDON patients. Logistic regression analyses revealed that female age, BMI, ovarian reserve, and a female infertility factor were relevant predictors of the POSEIDON condition. CONCLUSIONS The estimated prevalence of POSEIDON patients in the general population undergoing ART is significant. These patients differ in clinical characteristics compared with non-POSEIDON patients. The POSEIDON condition is associated with female age, ovarian reserve, BMI, and female infertility. Efforts in terms of diagnosis, counseling, and treatment are needed to reduce the prevalence of low-prognosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C. Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Sandro C. Esteves, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-1313-9680
| | - Hakan Yarali
- Anatolia IVF, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lan N. Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | - Ho L. Le
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Toan D. Pham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M. Ho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Allan HT, Mounce G, Crespo E, Shawe J. Preconception care for infertile couples: Nurses' and midwives' roles in promoting better maternal and birth outcomes. J Clin Nurs 2018; 27:4411-4418. [PMID: 29943889 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preconception care promotes better maternal outcomes, may assist in preventing birth defects and improves fertility awareness among healthy childbearing couples. Yet, the significance of preconception care for infertile couples is undeveloped area of practice in Europe. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To discuss the importance of nurses and midwives in providing preconception care to infertile couples in the United Kingdom and Spain. DESIGN Discursive paper. METHOD A comparison of different midwifery and nursing approaches to preconception care for infertile couples in two European countries. FINDINGS At present, infertile couples' needs for preconception care are not routinely identified or understood. There is an opportunity for these needs to be considered and identified by nurses at the time of investigation for infertility or when planning pregnancy with assisted conception. CONCLUSIONS We argue that, by providing preconception care, nurses and midwives have an opportunity to deliver important advice to infertile couples in both primary care and specialist infertility services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ginny Mounce
- University of Oxford/Oxford Fertility, Oxford, UK
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Poels M, Koster MPH, Boeije HR, Franx A, van Stel HF. Why Do Women Not Use Preconception Care? A Systematic Review On Barriers And Facilitators. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2016; 71:603-612. [DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000000360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Joelsson LS, Berglund A, Wånggren K, Lood M, Rosenblad A, Tydén T. Do subfertile women adjust their habits when trying to conceive? Ups J Med Sci 2016; 121:184-91. [PMID: 27216564 PMCID: PMC4967265 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2016.1176094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate lifestyle habits and lifestyle adjustments among subfertile women trying to conceive. MATERIALS AND METHODS Women (n = 747) were recruited consecutively at their first visit to fertility clinics in mid-Sweden. Participants completed a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using logistic regression, t tests, and chi-square tests. RESULTS The response rate was 62% (n = 466). Mean duration of infertility was 1.9 years. During this time 13.2% used tobacco daily, 13.6% drank more than three cups of coffee per day, and 11.6% consumed more than two glasses of alcohol weekly. In this sample, 23.9% of the women were overweight (body mass index, BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2)), and 12.5% were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2)). Obese women exercised more and changed to healthy diets more frequently than normal-weight women (odds ratio 7.43; 95% confidence interval 3.7-14.9). Six out of ten women (n = 266) took folic acid when they started trying to conceive, but 11% stopped taking folic acid after some time. Taking folic acid was associated with a higher level of education (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Among subfertile women, one-third were overweight or obese, and some had other lifestyle factors with known adverse effects on fertility such as use of tobacco. Overweight and obese women adjusted their habits but did not reduce their body mass index. Women of fertile age would benefit from preconception counseling, and the treatment of infertility should routinely offer interventions for lifestyle changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Salih Joelsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Council of Västmanland, Västmanland County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Anna Berglund
- The National Centre for Knowledge of Men’s Violence against Women, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kjell Wånggren
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Lood
- Department of Women’s Health, Fertility Unit, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Andreas Rosenblad
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Council of Västmanland, Västmanland County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Tanja Tydén
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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McLindon LA, Beckmann M, Flenady V, McIntyre HD, Chapman M. Women's views of a fertility awareness and hormonal support approach to subfertility. HUM FERTIL 2013; 16:252-7. [PMID: 24171651 DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2013.843791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the satisfaction among subfertile women of a fertility awareness-based approach, including hormonal therapy to achieve a pregnancy by natural conception. Eighty four women attending a natural fertility service completed a postal questionnaire exploring (1) the acceptability of the sympto-thermal method and (2) the acceptability of using hormone support. Acceptability rates for the fertility charting, clinical service and clinical care were 64.9-91.6%. Acceptability rates were higher in women who did conceive or had experienced past recurrent miscarriages. Taking hormonal luteal support, by any method, was more acceptable for women over 35 years compared to those under 35 years (100% vs. 69.4%, p = 0.014). Vaginal pessaries were the preferred route of administration. The use of a fertility awareness-based method appears to be acceptable amongst subfertile women intending to conceive naturally. Most women using such a method for conception would be open to the use of hormonal support during the fertility cycle or early pregnancy.
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Ockhuijsen HDL, Gamel CJ, van den Hoogen A, Macklon NS. Integrating preconceptional care into an IVF programme. J Adv Nurs 2011; 68:1156-65. [PMID: 22032346 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05829.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM This paper is a report of a mixed method study of the outcomes of integrating preconceptional care into an in-vitro fertilization programme on nurses' and patients' attitudes and patients' weight and smoking behaviour. BACKGROUND Increasing evidence points to the significant effect of lifestyle factors on in-vitro fertilization outcomes. Optimizing the health of couples before they commence in-vitro fertilization may improve the chance of achieving success. METHOD In 2007, 130 couples attending a university hospital in-vitro fertilization unit and seven nurses were invited to participate in the study. Questionnaires were developed to assess the attitudes of both patients and nurses. Furthermore, the impact of interventions on body mass index and smoking patterns were evaluated. RESULTS All nurses (n = 7) and 101 patients (77·7%) returned completed questionnaires. Analysis revealed a considerable degree of scepticism among the nurses at the outset as to the value of the programme and their ability to perform their new role effectively. Patients valued positively the increased attention to adjusting lifestyle factors with the goal to improve fertility outcomes. Of those participants who smoked or had a body mass index >30, 30% (n = 7/23) of the patients quit smoking and 50% lost weight (n = 15/30), mean loss: 6·1 kg. CONCLUSION Fertility nurses can play a key role in the provision of preconceptional care. Patients with a fertility problem can be motivated to address lifestyle issues before embarking on in-vitro fertilization treatment. The integration of preconceptional care and lifestyle interventions was shown to be feasible in our clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriëtta D L Ockhuijsen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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