Effectiveness of two guided self-administered interventions for psychological distress among women with infertility: a three-armed, randomized controlled trial

The impact of sociocultural and psychological stress on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology in remarried families

OBJECTIVE

In China, there is a unique type of second marriage (SM) family where the woman is remarried, and the man is experiencing his first marriage. Additionally, the woman is older than the man. Therefore, these families experience many challenges: psychological, emotional, and societal pressure. Such family is a typical sample for studying sociocultural and psychological stress influencing on outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study aimed to investigate the impact of social psychological stress on the live birth outcomes AR.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort, second marriage (SM) families who visited the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University reproductive center between January 2012 to December 2022 were screened, and 561s marriage families (the SM group) with 5600 first marriage (FM) families (the FM group) were included undergoing their first ART cycles. The primary outcome of this study was the live birth rate (LBR).

RESULTS

The live birth rate (LBR) of SM group (30.7%) is lower than that of the FM group (43.6%) (p < 0.01). After adjustment by logistic regression, the second marriage group (OR = 1.269, 95%CI 1.031-1.562, p = 0.025) were independent factors associated with the outcome of live birth. After propensity score matching (PSM), the live birth rate of SM group (28.7%) is lower than the FM group (35.9%) (0 = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

The SM family experience higher levels of social and psychological pressure, which lead to lower level of LBR than FM family.

Improved Screening for Depression in Patients Initiating Fertility Treatment

OBJECTIVE

To improve screening for depression in patients who are initiating fertility treatment at a reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) center by screening all patients at their initial visit using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

DESIGN

This quality improvement project was conducted using a plan-do-study-act cycle implemented with a postintervention study design.

SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM

A medium-size REI center in a mid-Atlantic U.S. metropolitan area where screening for mental health status in patients initiating fertility treatments was not occurring.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who were scheduled in person with REI providers for a new patient consult regarding fertility were declared eligible.

INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTS

The PHQ-9 was administered by providers at initial consults for patients seeking fertility treatments from October 2022 to February 2023. Three cycles of the plan-do-study-act model were used to execute change. For all patients who scored 5 to 9 (mild depression), conversations regarding counseling referrals occurred. For all patients who scored ≥10 (moderate to severe depression), a referral for counseling and medication management was generated. Data were analyzed via descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 115 participants were included. A screening rate of 84.3% (n = 97) was achieved for patients initiating treatment. Of the 97 screened, 21 patients had a score of ≥5; 19 were given a referral for counseling. However, none of the patients attended a counseling session or started medication prescribed by their primary care provider during the 2-month follow-up period. Barriers identified included costs, personal preferences, and access to services.

CONCLUSION

The PHQ-9 screening tool was implemented at an REI clinic to improve the frequency of mental health screenings and provide necessary referrals. However, additional follow-up is needed to ensure patients are receiving appropriate mental health care.

Effectiveness of mindful self-compassion therapy on psychopathology symptoms, psychological distress and life expectancy in infertile women treated with in vitro fertilization: a two-arm double-blind parallel randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Infertility is a prominent problem affecting millions of couples worldwide. Recently, there has been a hightened emphasis on elucidating the subtle linkages between infertility treatment leveraging assisted reproductive technology and the complex realm of psychological challenges, as well as efforts in implementation of psychological interventions.The Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program seeks to improve self-compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, and life satisfaction while reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. In the current study, an MSC intervention was performed on infertile women (IW) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing psychological distress and psychopathological symptoms and enhancing life expectancy.

METHODS

Fifty-seven IW undergoing IVF were randomly allocated to two groups: MSC (n = 29) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 28). Participants in MSC met once a week for two hours for eight weeks and attended a half-day meditation retreat. The Synder's Hope questionnaire and the Revised 90-Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) were used as the primary outcome measures. Data were obtained before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and two months post-intervention. Repeated measures of ANCOVA and paired t-tests in all assessment points were used to compare the MSC and the TAU groups in outcomes.

RESULTS

In the MSC group, hopelessness, anger-hostility, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity difficulties, and depression were significantly reduced compared with the TAU group, and those improvements persisted at the two-month follow-up. Reliable change index revealed that the MSC group's gains were both clinically significant and durable.

CONCLUSIONS

MSC can facilitate higher life satisfaction and mental well-being for IW undergoing IVF by reducing psychological distress, psychopathological symptoms, and hopelessness. These encouraging findings call for more research into the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies in addressing psychological problems among IW undergoing IVF.

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental and sexual health of patients with infertility: a prospective before-and-after study

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has seriously impacted the mental and sexual health of the general population. Patients dealing with infertility constitute a unique subset within society, susceptible to heightened sensitivity amid pressures and crises. However, to the best of our knowledge, the impact of the different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and sexual health of patients with infertility has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mental and sexual health of patients with infertility during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (during the lockdown, when controls were fully liberalized, and during the post-pandemic era).

METHODS

This prospective before-and-after study was conducted between April and May 2022 (during the lockdown), December and January 2023 (when controls were fully liberalized), and May and August 2023 (during the post-pandemic era). This study explored the sexual and mental health of women with infertility during the three stages of the COVID-19 pandemic using standardized mental health and sexual function questionnaires. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data, and the ANOVA test was used to compare numerical data.

RESULTS

Patients had the highest 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores and the highest rates of anxiety and depression during the immediate full-release phase. During the complete liberalization phase, patients had the lowest Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores and the highest incidence of sexual dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first one to report the repercussions of COVID-19 on the mental and sexual well-being of individuals experiencing infertility across various phases of the pandemic. Upon the complete lifting of control measures, close to 99% of participants exhibited varying degrees of anxiety and depression. Our research underscores that individuals with infertility faced elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction during the phase of full liberalization of COVID-19 control measures, in stark contrast to the periods of lockdown and the post-pandemic era.

Effectiveness of double ABCX-based psychotherapy for psychological distress among women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a three-arm randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of double ABCX-based psychotherapy for psychological distress during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) among a female group (FG), couple group (CoG) and control group (CG).

METHODS

A total of 201 women undergoing their first IVF-ET cycle were randomized into three groups. The 6-session intervention was delivered at each visit to the IVF clinic. The primary outcomes were depression and anxiety, and the secondary outcomes included sleep quality, serum cortisol (nmol/L) levels and the clinical pregnancy rate, which were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

The group-by-time effects were significant for depression, anxiety, sleep quality and serum cortisol levels, with larger effect sizes in the FG than in the CoG. There was no significant difference in the pregnancy rate among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Psychotherapy effectively mitigated psychological distress, suggesting greater effectiveness for couples undergoing IVF couples than for women only. It is structured and easy to use during the IVF treatment cycle.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

https://register.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03931187, retrospectively registered on April 23, 2019).

Efficacy of psychosocial interventions for pregnancy rates of infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for improving pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. To estimate the effect size, a meta-analysis of the studies was performed using RevMan 5.3. The possibility of publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's method.

RESULTS

A statistically significant effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-1.71; p = 0.004; I² = 19%) was found for the 12 studies that investigated the effects of psychosocial interventions on clinical pregnancy rates. The psychosocial interventions that had a significant effect on pregnancy rates were mind-body interventions (SMD = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.01-1.85; p = 0.040; I² = 0%) and cognitive behavioral therapy (SMD = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.17-4.13; p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that psychosocial interventions affect pregnancy rates. Moreover, they indicate that mind-body interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy are beneficial for improving the pregnancy outcome in infertile women undergoing IVF.

No Baby to Bring Home: Perinatal Loss, Infertility, and Mental Illness-Overview and Recommendations for Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Update readers on the state of the research on mental health, perinatal loss, and infertility with a focus on providing a comprehensive overview to empower clinicians in treating this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Rates of psychiatric illness are increased in people that experience perinatal loss and infertility. The research remains largely below the clear need for focused screening, prevention, and treatment. Clinicians and researchers need to remain attuned to the impact of perinatal loss and infertility on the mental health of patients and families. Screening, referral, and expanded therapeutic and psychiatric resources are imperative to improving the well-being of these patients and families.

Evaluating group psychological interventions for mental health in women with infertility undertaking fertility treatment: A systematic review and meta-Analysis

ABSTRACTWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature concerning the effectiveness of group psychological interventions in improving anxiety, depression, marital dissatisfaction, fertility quality of life and stress, and pregnancy outcomes of women with infertility, participating in fertility treatment. A search of five databases yielded 1603 studies; 30 articles met inclusion criteria, and computations of effect sizes ensued (Hedges' g and Odds Ratios (OR)). The total sample comprised 2752 participants, with 1279 participants receiving group intervention and 1473 participants in the comparison group. Group psychological interventions reduced depression (Hgw =  -1.277; 95% CI = [-1.739- -0.815]; p =  0.000), anxiety (Hgw = -1.136, 95% CI [-1.527- -0.744]; p =  0.000), fertility stress (Hgw = -0.250, 95% CI [-0.388- -0.122]; p =  0.000), and marital dissatisfaction (Hgw = -0.938; 95% [CI -1.455- -0.421]; p =  0.000), and pregnancy rates improved (OR = 2.422 95% CI [2.037-2.879]; p = 0.000). No improvement was observed regarding fertility quality of life (Hgw = 0. 144; 95% CI [-0.176- 0.463]; p =  0.379). Our findings highlight that participation in group psychological intervention improved the mental health, fertility stress and pregnancy rates of women with infertility.

Interventions promoting mental health dimensions in infertile women: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Scientific developments have brought hope to infertile couples; however, the results are not always favorable. This makes women suffer psychological pressure. Therefore, previous studies have investigated the effectiveness of many psychological interventions but no research identified the most common psychological interventions. In this regard, the present review aimed to investigate different psychological interventions that promote mental health in infertile to identify the most frequent (common) ones.

METHODS

In the present study, the search was carried out using appropriate keywords Infertility, psychological interventions, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression and women in the Google Scholar، Magiran، SID، Pubmed، Scopus، Science Direct، ProQuest، Web of Science databases and One of the leading websites in health- WHO with Persian and English languages and two operators of "AND" and "OR" between 2000 and 2021.

RESULTS

First, 7319 articles were searched, 6948 articles of which were removed due to irrelevant subjects, and 31 articles were removed due to duplication. 340 abstracts were examined and the results of 60 articles were extracted. Two approaches (examining the type and content of intervention) were used to extract findings. The first approach indicated high diversity in psychological interventions, leading to the categorization of the interventions into 4 categories of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mind-body interventions (MBI), stress management skills, and others. CBT and MBI and stress management skills were found as the most frequent promoting interventions for mental health in infertile women. The second approach indicated the differences in protocols (number of sessions and time of interventions).

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in protocol of interventions under study, the results of all articles revealed the effectiveness of interventions in improving infertile women's mental health; therefore, it is suggested to apply the most common psychological interventions based on scientific evidence (CBT, MBI, and stress management skills) along with infertility treatment methods. The results will help the specialists, policy-makers, and planners to select and implement the most appropriate psychological interventions for infertile women.

Effectiveness of psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of psychological interventions on the pregnancy rates of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Using the electronic databases PubMed, EM Base, Cochrane Library, WOS, CNKI, WanFang Data, CSTJ, and CBM, a systematic literature search was conducted in the second week of August 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of psychological interventions on the pregnancy rate of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology were collected. There is no time limit for this search setting. The language is limited to Chinese or English. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies, and then used Revman5.3 and STATA16.0 software for meta-analysis. A total of 25 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis, including 2098 patients in the experimental group and 2075 patients in the control group. There was a significant difference in the pregnancy rate between the two groups [RR=1.31, 95%CI(1.22,1.40)]. Subgroup analysis showed that this is also true of infertile women of different nationalities, different intervention timing and format. However, different psychological interventions may indeed have different effects. Current evidence suggests that psychological interventions may improve pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Limited by the quantity and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies. Our PROSPERO registration number is: CRD42019140666.

Effects of mindfulness-based intervention for women with infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This review aimed to examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on physical and psychological outcomes in women with infertility. Studies were included if participants were women diagnosed with infertility, were over the age of 18, and the design was a randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based intervention program. Two independent reviewers undertook eligibility screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. We used RevMan software version 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration) to conduct the meta-analyses. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was followed. Ten articles were finally included in the current meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed large, significant effects of mindfulness-based interventions that can effectively reduce depression[SMD = -1.28, 95% CI (-1.95, -0.60), P < 0.0001], anxiety [SMD = -0.89, 95% CI (-1.26, -0.51), P < 0.00001] symptoms, and improve five domains of health-related quality of life (physical function [MD = 9.47, 95% CI (4.33, 14.61), P = 0.0003], general health [MD = 15.77, 95% CI (7.62, 23.92), P = 0.0002], vitality [MD = 14.85, 95% CI (4.95, 24.74), P = 0.003], role-physical [MD = 22.44, 95% CI (14.97, 29.91), P < 0.00001] and social function [MD = 8.27, 95% CI (3.56, 12.97), P = 0.0006)] in women with infertility. The current meta-analysis results revealed that mindfulness-based interventions could effectively reduce depression and anxiety symptoms and improve health-related quality of life in women with infertility. Future rigorously designed, high-quality research is required to demonstrate whether mindfulness-based intervention programs can effectively reduce perceived stress and BMI.

The effect of self-compassion-based programs for infertility (SCPI) on anxiety and depression among women pursuing fertility treatment: a three-armed, randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of self-compassion training using videos (SCV) versus self-compassion training using digital stories (SC-DS) as compared to a control group (CG) on reducing anxiety and depression symptoms among women pursuing fertility treatment.

METHODS

A three-armed, randomised controlled trial randomly assigned 200 eligible women to SCV(n = 65), SC-DS (n = 67), and CG (n = 68). All three randomised groups completed questionnaires immediately after randomisation (T1), after completing the interventions (T2), and 10 weeks after the interventions (T3). A generalised estimation equation was used with the intention-to-treat analysis. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression, and secondary outcomes were self-compassion, infertility self-efficacy, and pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

SCV and SC-DS participants experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3 (p < 0.001; d > 0.8). SCV and SC-DS participants experienced a significant increase in self-compassion and infertility self-efficacy from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3 (p < 0.001; d > 0.8). SC-DS seemed to be superior to SCV and CG. No significant differences were found among the three groups in pregnancy rates. SCV and SC-DS participants rated self-compassion training programs positively and said they would highly recommend them to others.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that SCV and SC-DS were effective in reducing anxiety and depression and increasing self-compassion and infertility self-efficacy. Online flexible self-compassion interventions could make psychological support more accessible for women undergoing fertility treatment in resource-poor settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

(ChiCTR2100046065) [12/04/2021].

Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for infertile women: A systematic review and meta-analysis with a focus on a method-critical evaluation

BACKGROUND

Approximately seven to nine percent of couples of reproductive age do not get pregnant despite regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Various psychosocial interventions for women and men with fertility disorders are repeatedly found in the literature. The effects of these interventions on outcomes such as anxiety and depression, as well as on the probability of pregnancy, do not currently allow for reliable generalisable statements. This review includes studies published since 2015 performing a method-critical evaluation of the studies. Furthermore, we suggest how interventions could be implemented in the future to improve anxiety, depression, and pregnancy rates.

METHOD

The project was registered with Prospero (CRD42021242683 13 April 2021). The literature search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases were searched and 479 potential studies were discovered. After reviewing the full texts, ten studies were included for the synthesis. Not all studies reported the three outcomes: four studies each for depression, three for anxiety and nine studies for pregnancy rates were included in the meta-analysis, which was conducted using the Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software.

RESULTS

Psychosocial interventions do not significantly change women's anxiety (Hedges' g -0,006; CI: -0,667 to 0,655; p = 0,985), but they have a significant impact on depression in infertile women (Hedges' g -0,893; CI: -1,644 to -0,145; p = 0,026). Implementations of psychosocial interventions during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment do not increase pregnancy rates (odds ratio 1,337; 95% CI 0,983 to 1,820; p = 0,064). The methodological critical evaluation indicates heterogeneous study design and samples. The results of the studies were determined with different methods and make comparability difficult. All these factors do not allow for a uniform conclusion.

METHODOLOGICAL CRITICAL EVALUATION

Study design (duration and timing of intervention, type of intervention, type of data collection) and samples (age of women, reason for infertility, duration of infertility) are very heterogeneous. The results of the studies were determined with different methods and make comparability difficult. All these factors do not allow for a uniform conclusion.

CONCLUSION

In order to be able to better compare psychosocial interventions and their influence on ART treatment and thus also to achieve valid results, a standardised procedure to the mentioned factors is necessary.

Psychological distress, emotion regulation, neuroticism, and sexual relationship on patients with temporary ejaculation failure in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment

Objective

Temporary ejaculation failure on the oocyte retrieval day might leading interruption of the oocyte retrieval procedure. The present study aims to understand the psychosocial factor that affects men with temporary ejaculation failure (TEF) in Vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients, and thus provide new ideas for optimal clinical treatment.

Study design

In a prospective study, the male patients during IVF treatment in a reproductive center of a tertiary hospital in Shandong were divided into two groups, 70 men with TEF and 79 normal controls. General population sociology and clinical disease were investigated, and the Kessler 10 scale, emotion regulation questionnaire, big five inventory questionnaire, and sex subscale of marriage quality were used to assess the psychological distress, emotion regulation, neuroticism, and satisfaction with sexual life.

Results

The scores of perceived distress and neuroticism of the TEF group were higher than the non-TEF group (p < 0.001), and cognitive reappraisal and sexual relationship were significantly lower than those in the non-TEF group (p < 0.001). Psychological distress (OR 1.130, p = 0.031) and neuroticism (OR 1.096, p = 0.050) were risk factors for TEF, while cognitive reappraisal (OR 0.883, p = 0.004) and sexual relationship (OR 0.712, p < 0.001) was protective factors.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that psychosocial factors influence TEF in IVF-ET patients, which provides the basis for the prevention of the occurrence of TEF in a male undergoing IVF-ET.

Efficacy of psychological interventions for mental health and pregnancy rates among individuals with infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among individuals struggling with infertility. Thus, numerous psychological interventions have been adapted to infertility, with the aim of relieving distress as well as increasing pregnancy rates.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of psychological interventions on infertility-related distress and pregnancy rates among individuals and/or couples with infertility and to analyse their overall effect. It also sought to examine potential treatment moderators, including intervention length, format and therapeutic approach.

SEARCH METHODS

An electronic search of 11 databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, was performed for studies published until January 2022. The inclusion criteria were RCTs conducted on humans and published in English. Psychological outcomes of interest included anxiety, depression, infertility-related distress, wellbeing and marital satisfaction. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess study quality, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to assess the overall quality of the research evidence.

OUTCOMES

There were 58 RCTs in total, including 54 which included psychological outcomes and 21 which assessed pregnancy rates. Studies originated from all regions of the world, but nearly half of the studies were from the Middle East. Although a beneficial effect on combined psychological outcomes was found (Hedge's g = 0.82, P < 0.0001), it was moderated by region (P < 0.00001) such that studies from the Middle East exhibited large effects (g = 1.40, P < 0.0001), while the effects were small among studies conducted elsewhere (g = 0.23, P < 0.0001). Statistically adjusting for study region in a meta-regression, neither intervention length, therapeutic approach, therapy format, nor participant gender (P > 0.05) moderated the effect of treatment. A beneficial treatment effect on pregnancy (RR (95% CI) = 1.25 (1.07-1.47), P = 0.005) was not moderated by region, treatment length, approach or format (P > 0.05). Largely due to the lack of high quality RCTs, the quality of the available evidence was rated as low to moderate.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

This is the first meta-analysis of RCTs testing the effect of psychological interventions on infertility-related distress and pregnancy rates. These findings suggest that in most regions of the world, psychological interventions are associated with small reductions in distress and modest effects on conception, suggesting the need for more effective interventions. These findings must be considered in light of the fact that the majority of the included RCTs were deemed to be at high risk of bias. Rigorously conducted trials are needed.

Psychological distress among women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: A cross-sectional and longitudinal network analysis

Background

Women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment were generally found to experience varying degrees of psychological distress across the treatment. Existing studies focused on total scores and diagnostic thresholds to characterize the symptoms' severity, which might hinder scientific progress in understanding and treating psychological distress.

Aims

We aimed to investigate (a) how depression and anxiety symptoms are interconnected within a network, and (b) the changes of the network (symptom connections and network centralities) over time, in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

Methods

A 4-wave longitudinal study was designed with 343 eligible women recruited from the Reproductive Medicine Center of a tertiary hospital in China. The network models were created to explore the relationship and changes between psychopathology symptoms both within and across anxiety and depression, with anxiety measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and depression measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Symptom network analysis was conducted to evaluate network and network properties, network centrality, and bridge centrality, as well as change trajectory network.

Results

For the strength centrality, "inability to control worry" and "worrying too much" were the most central symptoms at T1; however, these symptoms decreased. The centrality of "sadness" and "guilt" tended to increase steadily and became dominant symptoms. For bridge centrality indices, several bridge symptoms were identified separately from T1 to T4: "irritability," "concentration difficulties," "nervousness," and "restlessness;" "guilt" exhibited increased bridge symptoms. Furthermore, the change trajectory network indicated that "suicide ideation" became more closely related to guilt but not to worrying too much over time.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the changes in central features, connections, and bridge symptoms during IVF-ET treatment and identified several bridge symptoms separately at different stages, which could activate the connection between psychopathology symptoms. The results revealed that sense of guilt was associated with worsening psychopathology symptoms, indicating that future psychological interventions should target guilt-related symptoms as a priority.

Effect of mindfulness intervention on anxiety, distress, and depression for chronic diseases: a scoping review

This scoping review describes the research-based mindfulness intervention on anxiety, distress, and depression. The search strategy retrieved articles published in English from 2014 to 2019 and were retrieved across Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA-Scr checklist is a tool to evaluate the quality of the articles. The selection criteria initially included all original articles in English, with 1,527 that were related to mindfulness intervention for anxiety, distress, and depression. A total of 490 full texts were retrieved, and after the abstracts were reviewed, 124 full-text articles were included for eligibility, and the final eight studies were determined. The articles were reviewed and screened for relevance to mindfulness intervention in reducing anxiety, distress, and depression among those with chronic diseases. The results have shown that mindfulness intervention reduces anxiety, distress, and depression among patients with chronic diseases. The review contributes further insight into the fact that mindfulness intervention is also appropriate for other conditions to facilitate reducing psychological symptoms.

Mindfulness-Based Movement Intervention to Improve Sleep Quality: A Meta-Analysis and Moderator Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

(1) Background: Given that the most effective dose, optimal type, and most beneficial population for improving sleep with mindfulness-based movement (MBM) remains unknown, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with moderator analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess these effects. (2) Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO) were systematically searched for RCTs published through August 2021 for analysis. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with Review Manager 5.3, and the meta-analysis was performed in Stata 16.0. (3) Results: A meta-analysis of 61 RCTs with 2697 participants showed that MBM significantly improved sleep quality compared to controls (SMD = −0.794; 95% CI: −0.794 to −0.994, p < 0.001, I2 = 90.7%). Moderator analysis showed that a long-term MBM (SMD = −0.829; 95% CI: 0.945 to 0.712; p < 0.001) had a larger effect size on sleep than a short-term MBM (SMD = −0.714; 95% CI: 0.784 to 0.644; p < 0.001). Practicing at least twice per week (SMD = −0.793; 95% CI: −0.868 to −0.718; p < 0.001) was more effective compared to practicing once per week (SMD = −0.687; 95% CI: −0.804 to −0.570; p < 0.001). Studies with a total intervention time of more than 24 h also revealed better sleep quality improvement (SMD = −0.759; 95% CI: −0.865 to −0.653; p < 0.001). In addition, the healthy population and older adults gained more from MBM than the patients and younger adults. (4) Conclusions: MBM can effectively improve subjective sleep quality, and the optimal intervention dose of MBM can be utilized in future intervention studies to treat or improve sleep disturbance (MBM more than twice a week for more than three months, with a total intervention time of more than 24 h).

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Emotional States of Women Undergoing Fertility Treatment: A Meta-Analysis

For many infertile women, their inability to fulfill their aspirations and match society's expectations of motherhood may lead to mental illness. They frequently select in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve their wish to have children. In vitro fertilization is actually a multi-dimensional stressor. There are numerous psychological methods to assist patients decrease stress, among which mindfulness-based intervention is a prominent one. However, the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention in this group remains debatable. Therefore, our research seeks to evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness intervention in improving the emotional state of women undergoing in vitro fertilization by systematic review and meta-analysis, so as to provide a novel treatment plan for psychological therapy of this group. A meta-analysis was undertaken by scanning English databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of science, etc. Among them, the retrieval period is from the foundation of the database until July 5, 2022. Two investigators examined the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and conducted meta-analysis using stata15.0 software. Six studies involving 964 infertile women were included. According to the meta-analysis, mindfulness was more effective than the control group in reducing anxiety, depression, and correlations in infertile women [standard mean difference, SMD = -0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.56 to -0.06], [SMD = -0.94, 95% CI: -1.84 to -0.03], [r = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25-0.52]. In terms of mindfulness and self-compassion, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups [SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: -0.38 to -1.85], [SMD = 0.09, 95% CI: -0.19 to -0.37]. As an intervention strategy for infertile women with anxiety and despair, mindfulness intervention might be a treatment priority.

Underground Gamete Donation in Sunni Muslim Patients

This qualitative study focuses on the "underground" practices of Sunni Muslim physicians and patients who are performing and undergoing religiously prohibited third-party gamete donation. It is based on face-to-face interviews with two Sunni Muslim gynecologists and 25 Sunni Muslim women who underwent third-party gamete donation treatments and gave birth to a baby. The analysis of the interviews sheds light on patients' experiences regarding donation and explores the experiences of the gynecologists. The patients shared with us their inner conflict regarding childbearing using either donated sperm or a donated egg. They expressed a subversive attitude toward the religious authorities and the Islamic fatwa (religious ruling) that prohibits third-party gamete donation. The gynecologists provide fertility care involving third-party gamete donation despite Islamic religious prohibitions; in consequence, they suffer feelings of guilt for their actions. The study participants challenge accepted binary conceptions regarding the boundaries between religious laws and the desire to produce offspring, between what is allowed and what is forbidden, between guilt and happiness, and between the desire to maintain a marital relationship and the desire to comply with cultural-religious rules. Based on Gloria Anzaldua's theory of the borderlands, and the context-informed approach, this study underscores the importance of giving voice to Sunni Muslim patients who underwent third-party gamete donation treatments and contributes to a deeper understanding of their dilemma of finding a reproductive solution that does not run counter to religious values.

Psychological Distress Among Infertility Patients: A Network Analysis

Background

Psychological distress is common among infertility patients. Total scale scores are often used to represent the severity of anxiety, depression, or stress, which ignores important differences between specific symptoms, and relationships between symptoms. This study aimed to identify patterns of psychological distress experienced by infertility patients and to identify the most central symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Method

From June to September 2016, 740 infertility patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Infertility patients were asked to complete the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patients Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Fertility Problem Inventory. Network analysis was used to examine the patterns of psychological distress in infertility patients and to test the most central symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Results

Restlessness was the most central symptom in infertility patients. “Feelings of guilt” had the highest strength among PHQ-9 symptoms. “Relationship concern stress” and “sexual concern stress” had the strongest connections in the network. Stability estimation indicated that the order of node strength centrality was more stable than the order of closeness and betweenness (the CS-coefficients were 0.75, 0.13, and 0.67, respectively). In addition, network structure and global strength were invariant across gender.

Limitations

The cross-sectional design did not permit identification of causal relationships. Patients in this study were recruited from one reproductive hospital; especially, most patients had low socioeconomic status, which limits generalizability of the findings.

Conclusion

This study reinforces the need to better understand the underlying causes of psychological distress in infertile patients. A more detailed investigation of the relationship between these symptoms could provide information for psychosocial interventions aimed beyond “alleviating psychological distress.” We should consider the individual psychological symptom pattern and its potential causes in infertility patients instead of assuming a consistent psychological distress structure.

Evaluation of a stand-alone mobile mindfulness app in people experiencing infertility: the protocol for an exploratory randomised controlled trial (MoMiFer-RCT)

INTRODUCTION

Infertility and its treatment bring a considerable emotional burden. Increasing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of smartphone-delivered mindfulness apps for reducing symptoms of emotional distress in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Evidence on this topic in women, men and couples experiencing infertility is currently under-represented. The aim of the MoMiFer study is, therefore, to investigate the efficacy of a stand-alone mobile mindfulness app on symptoms of emotional distress and fertility-related quality of life in people experiencing infertility.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is an exploratory randomised controlled trial (RCT) with open enrollment. The primary outcomes are symptoms of emotional distress and fertility-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes are mindfulness skills, repetitive negative thinking, self-compassion, user-rated quality of the stand-alone mobile mindfulness app and use of the app. Experience sampling method and standardised self-report questionnaires are combined within a repeated measures design to measure the effects of the stand-alone mobile mindfulness app on the primary and secondary outcomes, apart from the use of the app. The latter will be evaluated through app tracking. People, including women, men and couples, experiencing infertility (n=60) will be randomised to an intervention group receiving the stand-alone mobile mindfulness app for 3 months or a wait-list control group. The app follows the format and content of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Data will be collected at baseline, at 1.5 months and 3 months after randomisation. Analysis will be according to intention to treat and based on general linear modelling and multilevel mixed-effects modelling.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study received approval from the Medical Ethical Committee of the Leuven University Hospital (Belgium). The findings of this exploratory RCT will be disseminated through presentations at public lectures, scientific institutions and meetings, and through peer-reviewed scientific articles.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04143828.

Psychobiological, Clinical, and Sociocultural Factors Influencing Black Women to Seek Treatment for Infertility: A Mixed Methods Study

Objective

To provide a comprehensive and multidimensional description and conceptualization of the experiences of Black women seeking treatment for infertility.

Design

Convergent parallel mixed-methods study combining retrospective chart review data and semistructured interview data.

Setting

Private infertility clinic.

Patient(s)

African American/Black women between 18 and 44 years of age who presented for an initial infertility evaluation with a male partner between January 2015 and September 2019 at an infertility clinic in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.

Intervention(s)

None

Main Outcome(s)

Treatment seeking.

Measure(s)

Psychobiological, clinical, and sociocultural factors.

Result(s)

Along with the psychobiological, clinical, and sociocultural domains, we understood that Black women who sought treatment for infertility were older and overweight, had complex gynecological diagnoses, and experienced infertility for long periods of time. The delay in seeking treatment was possibly because of a low perceived risk of infertility, poor understanding of treatment options, inadequate referral patterns of primary care providers, and limited social support. Further, Black women experienced delays in seeking treatment because they attempted lifestyle-based self-interventions before considering medical interventions. Facilitators to care included psychological distress, complex gynecological medical history, and finding culturally competent providers.

Conclusion(s)

The study findings show that Black women in the United States are vulnerable to disparities in healthcare delivery, especially within reproductive endocrinology. Our findings highlight areas where Black women are experiencing missed opportunities for teaching, early identification, and early referrals for infertility-related concerns. Future studies should seek to reduce barriers to infertility treatment at the clinical and policy levels.

Infertility-related distress and clinical targets for psychotherapy: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

An estimated 30%-40% of women attending infertility tertiary care facilities experience clinically significant depression and anxiety. However, current psychological interventions for infertility are only modestly effective in this population. In this study, we aimed to identify the specific psychological components of infertility-related distress to assist in the development of a more targeted and effective therapeutic intervention. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to include the views and opinions of mental health professionals who specialise in the field of infertility and the first to explore therapies currently used by mental health professionals.

DESIGN

A qualitative approach using semistructured individual interviews and focus group interviews with women who have experience with infertility and also mental health professionals specialising in the field of infertility. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes emerging from the data.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-one women (aged 25-41 years) struggling to conceive for ≥12 months and 14 mental health professionals participated in semistructured interviews about the psychological challenges related to infertility.

RESULTS

Five themes, each divided into subthemes, emerged from the data and these were developed into a model of infertility-related distress. These five themes are: (1) anxiety, (2) mood disturbance, (3) threat to self-esteem, identity and purpose, (4) deterioration of the couple and (5) weakened support network. In addition, therapeutic techniques used by mental health professionals were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest specific clinical targets that future interventions treating infertility-related distress should address.

Psychological Impact of Infertility. Directions for the Development of Interventions

Introduction: Infertility represents a major health problem that oftentimes is experienced as a crisis situation. Because it interposes with achieving an important life goal, that of having children, its implications on the psycho-emotional level are robust. Purpose: The present article aimed at exploring the multidimensional effects of infertility on mental health, as well as suitable psychological intervention strategies for patients both at an individual and couple level. Methodology: An extensive literature review was conducted to select the most relevant information. Articles included were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar and other similar databases within a seven years interval (2014-2021) to assure the up-to-date quality of the paper. The main criteria of inclusion were: studies about the consequences of infertility on mental health, epidemiology, risk and protective factors, psychological models for infertility, psychological evaluation, established instruments, psycho-social and therapeutic interventions, intervention protocols used in public health for infertility patients. Results and Discussion: Infertility is often experienced as a crisis situation, in which the most common consequences are visible at the level of mood disorders (e.g. anxiety, depression, marked distress) and at the social level (stigma, divorce, social isolation, financial difficulties). Psychological counseling is needed throughout medical treatment and therapeutic interventions (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy) have shown favorable results in managing the emotional balance of the individual/couple and reducing the risk of psychopathology. Conclusions: Research highlights the beneficial effects of psychological interventions on reducing levels of stress related to infertility, anxiety and depressive symptoms and on improving the quality of life and couple dynamics

Influence of a patient education and care program on women undergoing non-assisted reproductive technology fertility treatment

PURPOSE

To determine the influence of a patient education and care program on the quality of life (QOL) of female patients undergoing non-assisted reproductive technology (ART) fertility treatment.

METHODS

Participants completed the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and fertility QOL (FertiQoL) questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. The responses of patients who underwent three sessions of the program (at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of treatment) were compared with those of patients who did not receive the program.

RESULTS

This study compared 69 patients who received an additional care program with 104 patients in the control group, all from 13 facilities. Treatment FertiQoL responses (p = 0.004) and treatment tolerability (p = 0.043) differed between the program and control groups at 3 months using the repeated measures mixed model. The cost of treatment per pregnancy was lower in the program group than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The patient education and care program provided by reproductive fertility specialists or fertility nurses during non-ART fertility programs improves patient satisfaction.

A Systematic Review of Interventions Targeting Infertility-Related Distress: A Search for Active Ingredients

Various psychological interventions have been developed to combat negative mental and physical health effects of infertility. However, it is unknown if there are common elements, or "active ingredients," between interventions. This review examined which active ingredients were present among psychological interventions targeting the impacts of infertility. Using a predetermined search strategy, 72 articles and 22 active ingredients were identified. Relaxation/stress management was found to be the most common treatment element. Future research should investigate which active ingredients are most effective for reducing infertility-related stressors so clinicians and researchers can create and implement treatments that contain essential and effective components.

Psychological Stress and Functional Endometrial Disorders: Update of Mechanism Insights

The human endometrium plays a vital role in providing the site for embryo implantation and maintaining the normal development and survival of the embryo. Recent studies have shown that stress is a common factor for the development of unexplained reproductive disorders. The nonreceptive endometrium and disturbed early maternal-fetal interaction might lead to infertility including the repeated embryo implantation failure and recurrent spontaneous abortion, or late pregnancy complications, thereby affecting the quality of life as well as the psychological status of the affected individuals. Additionally, psychological stress might also adversely affect female reproductive health. In recent years, several basic and clinical studies have tried to investigate the harm caused by psychological stress to reproductive health, however, the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we review the relationship between psychological stress and endometrial dysfunction, and its consequent effects on female infertility to provide new insights for clinical therapeutic interventions in the future.

Preconception lifestyle advice for people with infertility

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a prevalent problem that has significant consequences for individuals, families, and the community. Modifiable lifestyle factors may affect the chance of people with infertility having a baby. However, no guideline is available about what preconception advice should be offered. It is important to determine what preconception advice should be given to people with infertility and to evaluate whether this advice helps them make positive behavioural changes to improve their lifestyle and their chances of conceiving.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and effectiveness of preconception lifestyle advice on fertility outcomes and lifestyle behavioural changes for people with infertility.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, trial registers, Google Scholar, and Epistemonikos in January 2021; we checked references and contacted field experts to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), randomised cross-over studies, and cluster-randomised studies that compared at least one form of preconception lifestyle advice with routine care or attention control for people with infertility.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Primary effectiveness outcomes were live birth and ongoing pregnancy. Primary safety outcomes were adverse events and miscarriage. Secondary outcomes included reported behavioural changes in lifestyle, birth weight, gestational age, clinical pregnancy, time to pregnancy, quality of life, and male factor infertility outcomes. We assessed the overall quality of evidence using GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

We included in the review seven RCTs involving 2130 participants. Only one RCT included male partners. Three studies compared preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics with routine care or attention control. Four studies compared preconception lifestyle advice on one topic (weight, alcohol intake, or smoking) with routine care for women with infertility and specific lifestyle characteristics. The evidence was of low to very low-quality. The main limitations of the included studies were serious risk of bias due to lack of blinding, serious imprecision, and poor reporting of outcome measures. Preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics versus routine care or attention control Preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics may result in little to no difference in the number of live births (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 1.10; 1 RCT, 626 participants), but the quality of evidence was low. No studies reported on adverse events or miscarriage. Due to very low-quality evidence, we are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics affects lifestyle behavioural changes: body mass index (BMI) (mean difference (MD) -1.06 kg/m², 95% CI -2.33 to 0.21; 1 RCT, 180 participants), vegetable intake (MD 12.50 grams/d, 95% CI -8.43 to 33.43; 1 RCT, 264 participants), alcohol abstinence in men (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.58; 1 RCT, 210 participants), or smoking cessation in men (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.12; 1 RCT, 212 participants). Preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics may result in little to no difference in the number of women with adequate folic acid supplement use (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.01; 2 RCTs, 850 participants; I² = 4%), alcohol abstinence (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.17; 1 RCT, 607 participants), and smoking cessation (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.04; 1 RCT, 606 participants), on low quality evidence. No studies reported on other behavioural changes. Preconception lifestyle advice on weight versus routine care Studies on preconception lifestyle advice on weight were identified only in women with infertility and obesity. Compared to routine care, we are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice on weight affects the number of live births (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.43; 2 RCTs, 707 participants; I² = 68%; very low-quality evidence), adverse events including gestational diabetes (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.26; 1 RCT, 317 participants; very low-quality evidence), hypertension (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.75; 1 RCT, 317 participants; very low-quality evidence), or miscarriage (RR 1.50, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.37; 1 RCT, 577 participants; very low-quality evidence). Regarding lifestyle behavioural changes for women with infertility and obesity, preconception lifestyle advice on weight may slightly reduce BMI (MD -1.30 kg/m², 95% CI -1.58 to -1.02; 1 RCT, 574 participants; low-quality evidence). Due to very low-quality evidence, we are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice affects the percentage of weight loss, vegetable and fruit intake, alcohol abstinence, or physical activity. No studies reported on other behavioural changes. Preconception lifestyle advice on alcohol intake versus routine care Studies on preconception lifestyle advice on alcohol intake were identified only in at-risk drinking women with infertility. We are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice on alcohol intake affects the number of live births (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.50; 1 RCT, 37 participants; very low-quality evidence) or miscarriages (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.21 to 8.34; 1 RCT, 37 participants; very low-quality evidence). One study reported on behavioural changes for alcohol consumption but not as defined in the review methods. No studies reported on adverse events or other behavioural changes. Preconception lifestyle advice on smoking versus routine care Studies on preconception lifestyle advice on smoking were identified only in smoking women with infertility. No studies reported on live birth, ongoing pregnancy, adverse events, or miscarriage. One study reported on behavioural changes for smoking but not as defined in the review methods.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Low-quality evidence suggests that preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics may result in little to no difference in the number of live births. Evidence was insufficient to allow conclusions on the effects of preconception lifestyle advice on adverse events and miscarriage and on safety, as no studies were found that looked at these outcomes, or the studies were of very low quality. This review does not provide clear guidance for clinical practice in this area. However, it does highlight the need for high-quality RCTs to investigate preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics and to assess relevant effectiveness and safety outcomes in men and women with infertility.

Pregnancy or Psychological Outcomes of Psychotherapy Interventions for Infertility: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The pregnancy and psychological status of infertile couples has always been a concern, but there is no clear evidence for the efficacy of psychotherapy for infertile couples. This study aimed to summarize the current evidence of the effects of psychotherapy on psychological and pregnancy outcomes for infertile couples.

Method: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMbase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (ISI) for articles published from 1946 to June 26, 2020. The pregnancy outcomes, psychological outcomes, and acceptability were involved in the study.

Results: Overall, 29 studies with a combined total of 3,522 adult participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with a placebo, psychotherapy was associated with the pregnancy rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.43, 95% CI [1.07, 1.93]], total psychological scales associated with infertility [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.33 95% CI [−0.63, −0.02]], subsymptoms of psychological scores using the 28-item version of GHQ (including social function [MD = −3.10, 95% CI [−4.30, −1.90]] and depression [MD = −3.90, 95% CI [−5.36, −2.44]], and depression [MD = 3.60, 95% CI [2.25, 4.95]] using the 14-item version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, but it had no statistically significant association with the other outcomes. In the stratified analyses, the pregnancy rate using assisted reproduction, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the integrative body–mind–spirit (BMS); total psychological scales associated with infertility using other treatments and more than a month; and anxiety using BMS had significant statistical significance. The funnel plots of all outcomes were approximately symmetrical, and no significant publication bias was found.

Conclusions: The study showed that psychotherapy can lead to improvements in the pregnancy rate for infertile patients, especially for patients receiving assisted fertility. In addition, it may help improve total psychological scales associated with infertility and depression. CBT and BMS play an important role in improving rate of pregnancy, and BMS is associated with reducing anxiety. Although psychological interventions had limited effects on the pregnancy outcomes of infertility, our study still recommended that psychotherapies, in particular CBT and BMS, were applied to the therapeutic regimen for infertility, especially for patients receiving assisted fertility.

The association between psychosocial interventions and fertility treatment outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Does psychosocial intervention affect pregnancy outcomes in women and couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment?.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of psychosocial intervention on pregnancy outcomes in women and couples undergoing ART treatment. The primary outcome was Pregnancy Rates. Secondary outcomes were Live Birth Rate (LBR) and Abortion Rate (AR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases searched were Pubmed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library. 1439 records were screened, 15 were eligible and included in the meta-analyses (N = 2434). Data was extracted using the Covidence software. Effect sizes were reported as relative risks with 95% confidence-intervals and p-values.

RESULTS

A positive association was found between psychosocial intervention and pregnancy rates (RR = 1.12 CI=(1.01;1.24), p = 0.033). Long-duration interventions and mind-body intervention types were found to be associated with increased pregnancy rates (RR 1.21, CI= (1.04;1.43), p = 0.017) and (RR = 1.25, CI= (1.00;1.55), p = 0.046) respectively. Q and I²tests suggested no to low heterogeneity. Funnel plots, Trim and Fill analyses and Fail-safe numbers were applied to adjust for possible publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a positive association between psychosocial interventions, particularly long-duration interventions, and pregnancy rate in infertile women and couples in ART treatment. The findings are in line with findings from other reviews and meta-analyses exploring the same topic. More good quality RCTs need to be performed to increase the quality of guidance for infertile women and couples. The effect of psychosocial interventions on LBR and AR remain to be examined.

A systematic review of gratitude interventions: Effects on physical health and health behaviors

OBJECTIVE

Gratitude interventions are easy-to-deliver, offering promise for use in clinical-care. Although gratitude interventions have consistently shown benefits to psychological wellbeing, the effects on physical health outcomes are mixed. This systematic review aims to synthesize gratitude intervention studies which assessed physical health and health behavior outcomes, as well as evaluate study quality, comment on their efficacy, and provide directions for future research.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified through searches conducted in PsycINFO, MedLine, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, up until August 2019. Only studies that evaluated a gratitude intervention, randomly assigned participants to gratitude and control conditions, and assessed objective and subjective measures of physical health and health behaviors were included. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB2) tool was used to assess risk of bias.

RESULTS

Of the 1433 articles found, 19 were included in the review. Subjective sleep quality was improved in 5/8 studies. Improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, asthma control and eating behavior were understudied yet demonstrated improvements (all 1/1). Other outcome categories remain understudied and mixed, such as inflammation markers (1/2) and self-reported physical symptoms (2/8). The majority of studies showed some risk of bias concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it was suggested gratitude interventions may improve subjective sleep quality, more research is still needed to make firm conclusions on the efficacy of gratitude interventions on improving health outcomes. Further research focusing on gratitude's link with sleep and causal mechanisms is needed, especially in patient populations where more 'clinically-usable' psychosocial interventions are urgently needed.

Effects of a short-term mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the quality of life of women with infertility: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although some programs based on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) have been suggested to promote quality of life (QoL) in different conditions, limited studies have addressed their potential effects in women with infertility. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of an MBSR program on the QoL of women with infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 women with infertility, who were selected by consecutive sampling from the Infertility Center of Ahvaz Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran. Women either participated in the MBSR program or received routine consultation in eight two-hour group sessions once a week. Women's QoL was measured using the 36-item short-form health survey before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The intention-to-treat analysis, with multiple imputation for missing data, was also performed.

RESULTS

The mean changes in the total score of QoL and its subscales (except for "social functioning" and "bodily pain") were significant compared to the baseline both at immediately after and one month after the intervention in favor of the experimental group (P<0.001 in most cases). Twenty four and six adverse events were recorded in the experimental and control groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Short-term MBSR program seem to be potentially effective in improving the QoL of women with infertility. Further studies are needed to determine the generalizability of our findings.