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Bagade T, Mersha AG, Majeed T. The social determinants of mental health disorders among women with infertility: a systematic review. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:668. [PMID: 38093258 PMCID: PMC10720205 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02828-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertility is associated with mental health disorders in women, even if a successful pregnancy resolves infertility. However, the link between social determinants of health (SDoH) and mental health in women with infertility is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the determinants thoroughly so that mental health screening and services can be tailored to suit women with infertility who are vulnerable to mental health disorders. METHODOLOGY All observational studies that included women participants of reproductive age with infertility and assessed social determinants associated with mental health disorders were searched using a combination of keywords from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and published in English. Two reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, quality assessment and risk of bias. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (number CRD42022343962). RESULTS The systematic review included 32 studies out of 3405 screened articles from January 1st 2010 to 16th October 2023. Compared to women without infertility, the prevalence of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and stress, is high among women with infertility, with the severity being influenced by social determinants-those with higher education, employment, higher personal or family income, private health insurance, higher social support, stronger religious beliefs, and higher spiritual well-being reported better mental health outcomes. CONCLUSION The study highlights the need for early detection, tailored interventions, and integrated and comprehensive support systems to address the mental health needs of women with infertility and improve their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Bagade
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2285, Australia.
| | - Amanual Getnet Mersha
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2285, Australia
| | - Tazeen Majeed
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2285, Australia
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Wang G, Liu X, Zhu S, Lei J. Experience of mental health in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a descriptive phenomenological study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 44:2218987. [PMID: 37267127 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2023.2218987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the experiences, emotional coping strategies, and help-seeking needs of women with PCOS from their perspective, considering common psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression that are prevalent among individuals with PCOS. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 14 women with PCOS for semi-structured interviews between October and November 2022, using a descriptive phenomenology method design. The interviews were analyzed using NVivo 12 software. Results: Four themes and eleven subthemes were derived from the semi-structured interviews: (1) Negative Mental Health Status; (2) Four Patterns of Emotion Regulation; (3) The Psychological Double-Edged Sword: Family Social Network; (4) Strong Demands for Psychological Counseling and Lifestyle Guidance. Conclusion: The study suggests that interventions should focus on fostering internalized self-efficacy and emotional expression, promoting constructive familial support, and providing psychological counseling and lifestyle recommendations to alleviate psychological distress experienced by women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangpeng Wang
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xueyan Liu
- School of Nursing, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shujuan Zhu
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Lei
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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Thanscheidt CL, Wischmann T. Systematic Review: Risk Factors of Anxiety, Depressiveness, and (Lack of) Social Support in Women and Men Prior to Assisted Reproduction. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2023; 83:1350-1360. [PMID: 37928411 PMCID: PMC10624543 DOI: 10.1055/a-2166-4374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides a systematic overview of the state of knowledge to date of psychosocial risk factors with a focus on anxiety, depressiveness, and (lack of) social support among involuntarily childless women and men prior to assisted reproduction. The databases PubMed, PubPsych, PsycINFO-Ebsco, and Web of Science were searched for relevant publications in English or German, and finally a total of 20 publications were included in the systematic review. Of these, 18 studies focused on depressiveness, 15 studies focused on anxiety, and 9 studies focused on social support. Half of the studies included both men and women, while the other half included only women. Due to the large heterogeneity of the study results as well as limitations, no clear conclusions can be drawn regarding a difference between the risk profiles of men and women with an unfulfilled desire to have children. However, it has been shown that infertile couples or women experience higher levels of stress in the form of depressiveness and anxiety compared to fertile participants. Furthermore, it was found that social support, regardless of gender difference, within the couple and from family and friends may be associated with a lower risk for depressiveness and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Xie Y, Ren Y, Niu C, Zheng Y, Yu P, Li L. The impact of stigma on mental health and quality of life of infertile women: A systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1093459. [PMID: 36698573 PMCID: PMC9869765 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1093459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The stigma of not giving birth to children affects approximately 53. 08~64% of female infertility patients worldwide. This stigma not only causes harm to the mental health of these infertility patients, but also affects their quality of life, making them bear the adverse social consequences such as domestic violence, marriage breakdown, or even delay in receiving the treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the patients' stigma and effective intervention in alleviating it. Aims/Question This study aims to discuss and summarize the stigma in infertile women and its impact on patients, and to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment and nursing intervention of disease stigma in infertile female patients. Methods The literature search used four English databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed) and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang). The search time of the literature ranges from the establishment of the library to 2022, with no language restriction. Results The review included 28 studies, with 20 cross-sectional studies and 8 qualitative studies. This study found that social support, living environment, education level, occupation, and fertility awareness were the major influencing factors of infertility stigma. Conclusions Infertility stigma can bring heavy mental pressure and psychological burden to female infertility patients and affect their quality of life. Therefore, effective and targeted psychological interventions should be developed to reduce the patients' stigma and improve their quality of life. Implications for practice Healthcare workers must develop targeted nursing interventions, provide professional counseling services to reduce the level of stigma in female infertility patients, alleviate fertility stress, and improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xie
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yue Ren
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Changmin Niu
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Yao H, Chan CHY, Hou Y, Chan CLW. Ambivalence experienced by infertile couples undergoing IVF: a qualitative study. HUM FERTIL 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35850620 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2099314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The emotional consequences of infertility are well documented. However, relatively few studies have emphasized the dyadic emotional interaction within couples, despite infertility being a shared life event. This study adopted a dyadic (between two people) approach to explore the emotional complexity that infertile couples face. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 24 participants, including eight infertile couples and eight wives undergoing infertility treatments. Conjoint and individual interviews were conducted through purposive sampling in a large fertility centre in Tianjin, China, between June and August 2015. Thematic analysis identified two main themes: (i) 'decisional ambivalence', with subthemes of 'ambivalent attitudes towards treatment', 'uncertainty about treatment outcomes', and 'treatment-related lifestyle changes'; and (ii) 'relational ambivalence' which included subthemes of 'intergenerational ambivalence' and 'partner ambivalence'. Complex emotions of ambivalence among infertile couples were common as infertility clearly shattered their assumptive world on family formation. With complex entanglement of mixed emotions, ambivalence was intimately associated with cultural norms, social expectations, and active or over engagement of family members in Chinese societies. Since ambivalence could threaten mental and physical health during pregnancy, healthcare professionals should be prepared to assist infertile couples with identifying, articulating, and normalizing decisional and relational ambivalence during the treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yao
- School of Ethnology and Sociology, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Celia Hoi Yan Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yajie Hou
- China Population and Development Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Cecilia Lai Wan Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Nik Hazlina NH, Norhayati MN, Shaiful Bahari I, Nik Muhammad Arif NA. Worldwide prevalence, risk factors and psychological impact of infertility among women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057132. [PMID: 35354629 PMCID: PMC8968640 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence, risk factors and psychological impact of infertility among females. This review summarises the available evidence, effect estimates and strength of statistical associations between infertility and its risk factors. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL and ScienceDirect were searched through 23 January 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The inclusion criteria involved studies that reported the psychological impact of infertility among women. We included cross-sectional, case-control and cohort designs, published in the English language, conducted in the community, and performed at health institution levels on prevalence, risk factors and psychological impact of infertility in women. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently extracted and assess the quality of data using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis. The outcomes were assessed with random-effects model and reported as the OR with 95% CI using the Review Manager software. RESULTS Thirty-two studies with low risk of bias involving 124 556 women were included. The findings indicated the overall pooled prevalence to be 46.25% and 51.5% for infertility and primary infertility, respectively. Smoking was significantly related to infertility, with the OR of 1.85 (95% CI 1.08 to 3.14) times higher than females who do not smoke. There was a statistical significance between infertility and psychological distress among females, with the OR of 1.63 (95% CI 1.24 to 2.13). A statistical significance was noted between depression and infertility among females, with the OR of 1.40 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.75) compared with those fertile. CONCLUSIONS The study results highlight an essential and increasing mental disorder among females associated with infertility and may be overlooked. Acknowledging the problem and providing positive, supportive measures to females with infertility ensure more positive outcomes during the therapeutic process. This review is limited by the differences in definitions, diagnostic cut points, study designs and source populations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021226414.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik Hussain Nik Hazlina
- Women's Health Development Unit, Universiti Sains Malaysia - Kampus Kesihatan, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Noor Norhayati
- Department of Family Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia - Kampus Kesihatan, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ismail Shaiful Bahari
- Department of Family Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia - Kampus Kesihatan, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nik Ahmad Nik Muhammad Arif
- Women's Health Development Unit, Universiti Sains Malaysia - Kampus Kesihatan, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Armah D, van der Wath AE, Yazbek M, Naab F. Development of Holistic Health Care Interventions for Women With Infertility: A Nominal Group Technique. Holist Nurs Pract 2022; 36:85-92. [PMID: 35166249 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Infertility care is often directed by a biomedical approach rather than a holistic approach, especially in African countries. This article explores the opinions of health care providers regarding holistic health care interventions in managing women with infertility in Ghana. Data were retrieved using a qualitative design and nominal group technique with a purposive sample of 12 health care providers in Ghana. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Health care providers explored various psychological, educational, spiritual, social, and medical interventions to ensure women diagnosed with infertility receive holistic treatment and attain optimal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Armah
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa (Drs Armah, van der Wath, and Yazbek); and Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana (Dr Naab)
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Kiani Z, Simbar M, Hajian S, Zayeri F, Shahidi M, Saei Ghare Naz M, Ghasemi V. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. FERTILITY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 6:7. [PMID: 32313665 PMCID: PMC7157980 DOI: 10.1186/s40738-020-00076-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertile women are exposed more frequently to anxiety risk than are infertile men, thereby adversely affecting the procedures with which they are treated and the quality of their lives. Yet, this problem is often disregarded. This study accordingly determined the prevalence of anxiety symptoms among infertile women. METHODS All Persian and English studies published from the early 2000s to May 2019 were searched in international (i.e., PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO) and national (i.e., SID, Magiran) databases as well as through Google Scholar. After the titles and abstracts of the articles were reviewed, their quality was evaluated, and relevant works for examination were selected in consideration of established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of biases of individual studies according to Newcastle - Ottawa Scale was assessed. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 statistic, and indicators of publication bias were ascertained using Egger's test. Stata (version 14) was employed in analyzing the findings. RESULTS Thirteen studies having a collective sample size of 5055 infertile women were subjected to meta-analysis, with study heterogeneity incorporated into a random effects model. The findings indicated that 36% of the infertile women involved in the evaluated studies self-reported their experience with anxiety. The pooled prevalence of the condition among the subjects was 36.17% [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.47-49.87]. The pooled prevalence levels in low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries were 54.24% (95% CI: 31.86-78.62) and 25.05% (95% CI: 15.76-34.34), respectively. The results revealed no evidence of publication bias (P Egger's test = 0.406). CONCLUSION Considering the prevalence of anxiety in infertile women and its effects on health processes and quality of life, this problem requires serious consideration and planning for effective intervention, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kiani
- Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Simbar
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Hajian
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Zayeri
- Proteomics Research Center and Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Hazrat-e Maryam Fertility Center, Sari, Iran
| | - Marzieh Saei Ghare Naz
- Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Women with infertility complying with and resisting polygyny: an explorative qualitative study in urban Gambia. Reprod Health 2019; 16:103. [PMID: 31307488 PMCID: PMC6633655 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0762-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In many low-and middle-income countries women with infertility are often in polygynous marriages. From a human and women’s rights perspective, the practice of polygyny is commonly understood as harmful. Studies indicate that polygyny aggravates negative life circumstances of women with infertility with respect to their health and social well-being. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how women with infertility experience polygyny and to understand their decision-making regarding these marriages. Methods An explorative qualitative study was conducted among women with infertility in the urban communities of the West Coast region of The Gambia using in-depth interviews (30). Data analysis involved an emergent and partially inductive thematic framework and was carried out using NVivo 11. Results With the exception of some women with infertility who described positive experiences within polygynous marriages, most women emphasised conflicts that exist within polygynous households and reported financial and emotional difficulties. Thematic analysis identified several strategies of women with infertility to cope with and resist polygynous marriages, including overcoming childlessness, addressing conflict, spending time outside the compound, looking for social support, kanyaleng kafoolu, living separately and initiating divorce. Moreover, the experiences and decision-making power of women with infertility when it comes to polygynous marriages was found to be closely related to their socio-demographic background. Conclusion This work highlights how women with infertility in polygynous marriages are in a precarious situation in urban Gambia. Women utilize a mix of compliance, coping and resistance strategies to navigate the challenges of polygynous marriages in a structurally constraining context.
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Payne N, Seenan S, van den Akker O. Experiences and psychological distress of fertility treatment and employment. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 40:156-165. [PMID: 29658362 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2018.1460351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined experiences and psychological distress about fertility treatment in people combining work and treatment. Methods: Five hundred and sixty-three participants in the UK completed an online survey asking about difficulties in combining work and treatment; workplace disclosure, support, absence and policy; and psychological distress about treatment. Results: Absence from work and perceptions that treatment has an impact on work and career prospects were reported by the majority of participants and this was related to the psychological distress of treatment. Around three quarters of participants disclosed to their employer and colleagues. The key reason for disclosure was needing to ask for absence from work and the main reason for non-disclosure was privacy. Workplace policy relating to managing fertility treatment and support from colleagues and their employer was related to reduced psychological distress but workplace policy was reported by less than one quarter of participants. Conclusion: Difficulties experienced in combining work and treatment suggest that support is needed. Specific workplace policy, guidance for supervisors and flexibility in fertility clinic times should help support employees during treatment and reduce psychological distress, thereby potentially influencing physical health and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Payne
- a Department of Psychology , Middlesex University , London , UK
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'I am always crying on the inside': a qualitative study on the implications of infertility on women's lives in urban Gambia. Reprod Health 2018; 15:151. [PMID: 30208896 PMCID: PMC6134751 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is an increasing awareness that infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa constitutes a severe social and public health problem. Few of the existing studies on infertility explicitly take into account the differences between women. However, how women experience infertility is formed by their various social positions. This research explores the implications of infertility on women’s lives in urban Gambia and aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how this relates to gender and cultural norms as well as different social positions. Methods Qualitative data were collected through interviews (33), group discussions (13), participatory observations (14) and informal conversations (31). Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify participants. The data was analysed thematically using NVivo 11. Results Results showed that there was strong social pressure on urban women in The Gambia to procreate. Unable to conform to their gender role, women with infertility were confronted with financial problems, social stigma, as well as emotional and physical violence in their marriage. All women expressed feelings of trauma, stress and sadness. The intersectional approach used in this study highlighted how different positions influenced women’s experiences of infertility. Urban women with a high socio-economic status had a more powerful position within their marriages and the broader community, due to their financial position, professional career and, sometimes, their educational background. In contrast, women from a lower socio-economic background were more likely to be harshly confronted with the social stigma of infertility. Conclusion The lives of most women with infertility in The Gambia are characterized by social suffering resulting from gender and pro-natal norms, cultural beliefs and moral concerns, cultural practices and limited access to health care. An intersectional approach is an effective tool to inform public health and social policy since it highlights how, in specific situations, certain groups are more vulnerable than others.
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Yao H, Chan CHY, Chan CLW. Childbearing importance: A qualitative study of women with infertility in China. Res Nurs Health 2017; 41:69-77. [PMID: 29193167 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The primary goal of this study was to examine and describe the importance of childbearing as perceived by infertile women in the Chinese familial and social context. We adopted a qualitative descriptive method and conducted semi-structured interviews with female patients diagnosed with infertility. Participants were recruited at a high-volume fertility clinic in Tianjin, China. Fifteen women with a diagnosis of infertility were interviewed for 60-90 min. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Two themes supported the importance of childbearing for Chinese women with infertility: childbearing as natural law, and childbearing for relational harmony. Childbearing as natural law referred to intrinsic forces to seek a child, including (i) achieving motherhood and womanhood and (ii) experiencing a developmental transition with childbearing as a landmark. Relational harmony included three primary factors: (i) to maintain marital quality by preventing marital failure and rejuvenating an unsatisfactory marital relationship; (ii) to fulfill both authoritative and reciprocal filial piety; (iii) to build a sense of normalcy within family and social networks. In summary, infertility resulted in loss of motherhood, womanhood, and a smooth developmental transition. Moreover, it threatened relationship harmony in the marriage, family, and social life. These insights on the value of childbearing in the Chinese context can inform healthcare professionals in identify infertility-related demands and developing relevant psychosocial services for people with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yao
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Celia Hoi Yan Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Cecilia Lai Wan Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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DiMillo J, Hall NC, Ezer H, Schwarzer R, Körner A. The Berlin Social Support Scales: Validation of the Received Support Scale in a Canadian sample of patients affected by melanoma. J Health Psychol 2017; 24:1785-1795. [PMID: 28810441 DOI: 10.1177/1359105317700968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Received Support Scale of the Berlin Social Support Scales in a Canadian sample of English and French language melanoma patients (N = 137). Participants received a skin self-examination education and completed self-report questionnaires. Exploratory factor analyses, reliability analyses, and independent samples t-tests were conducted. Findings support the unidimensionality of the Received Support Scale of the Berlin Social Support Scales. The psychometric similarities of the French and English versions of the scale, its strong internal consistency, as well as its convergent and discriminant validity support the use of the Received Support Scale of the Berlin Social Support Scales in patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ralf Schwarzer
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poland.,Frie University of Berlin, Germany
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Samorinha C, Fraga S, Alves E, Sousa S, Figueiredo B, Machado H, Silva S. Self-reported psychosocial factors among in vitro fertilization patients interviewed alone or with the partner. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2015; 21:431-438. [PMID: 26549510 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2015.1109672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics reported by female in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients interviewed alone or with the partner in heterosexual couples. During 12 months (2011-2012), all patients undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection at one public reproductive medicine unit, in Portugal, were interviewed on the day of the diagnosis of pregnancy, being recruited 221 women interviewed with the partner and 92 interviewed alone. Interviewers collected data on sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics; and anxiety, depression, social support and partner relationship were collected by self-administered questionnaires. χ2 test was used to assess the independent association between the categorical variables and being interviewed alone or with the partner. For continuous variables, mean or median differences were compared by the t-test or the Mann-Whitney test, according to data distribution. No statistically significant differences were found in the self-reporting of depression, anxiety, social support and partner relationship or in sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics between women interviewed alone or with the partner. Although women interviewed alone were older and more frequently had children than women interviewed with the partner, no significant associations were observed. Thus, having a male partner present in the research setting during a self-administered questionnaire seems not to influence women's responses to psychosocial measures. Other outcomes and settings need to be evaluated to support evidence-based guidelines for research on infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Samorinha
- a EPI Unit - Institute of Public Health , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health , University of Porto Medical School , Porto , Portugal
| | - Sílvia Fraga
- a EPI Unit - Institute of Public Health , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Elisabete Alves
- a EPI Unit - Institute of Public Health , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Sandra Sousa
- a EPI Unit - Institute of Public Health , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | | | - Helena Machado
- d Centre for Social Studies , University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- a EPI Unit - Institute of Public Health , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
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Batool SS, de Visser RO. Experiences of Infertility in British and Pakistani Women: A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Analysis. Health Care Women Int 2015; 37:180-96. [PMID: 25535774 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2014.980890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The psychosocial impact of infertility is affected by cultural factors. In this cross-cultural qualitative study we explored the experience of infertility among six women living in Pakistan and eight living in the UK. Although infertile women in the UK and Pakistan had many shared experiences related to their own desires for motherhood and the hopes of others, they also faced unique psychosocial challenges shaped by cultural context. Based on our findings, we suggest a need for further resources and networks to support women, particularly women living in cultures that allow women few fulfilling social roles other than motherhood.
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