Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Departments of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences,
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The impact of infertility and assisted reproductive treatment on the mental health of
infertile couples is documented, and the identification of its predictor factors can be helpful in identifying
susceptible individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with
psychological symptoms of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using convenience sampling method, this cross‑sectional study
was conducted on 212 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. The levels of mental
disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) of the couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments
were assessed via self‑report questionnaire of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales. Data analysis
was performed using paired t‑test, independent t‑test, Wilcoxon signed‑rank test, Pearson correlation
coefficient, Spearman correlation, and multivariate linear regression.
RESULTS: The mean scores of stress, anxiety, and depression in women (14, 9.93, and 10.7) were
significantly higher than that in men (9, 5.51, and 6.6). Correlation coefficient of stress, anxiety, and
depression scores in women was inversely correlated with their age. Moreover, stress, anxiety, and
depression scores in men were significantly correlated with the duration of infertility. In both men and
women, stress, anxiety, and depression scores were inversely correlated with the level of education
and economic situation.
CONCLUSION: The results showed that during assisted reproductive treatment, women are more
likely to experience psychological problems than their spouses. In addition, underlying factors such
as age, duration of infertility, and educational level do not similarly cause of lower mental health in
men and women.
Keywords
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