Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Masoumeh Hosseinpanahi
- . Mojgan Mirghafourvand 1
- . Azizeh Farshbaf‑Khalili 2
- . Khalil Esmaeilpour 3
- . Masoumeh Rezaei 4
- . Jamileh Malakouti
1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
2 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz
4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kordestan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Infertility by creating a disturbing and debilitating condition is considered as an
important individual, public, and social health problem. The purpose of this study was to determine
the effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on mental health and
quality of life in infertile couples.
METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 54 infertile couples referring to the Sanandaj‑Iran
Infertility Clinic were assigned into two groups of counseling and control by random blocking with a
1:1 ratio. The consulting group received 8 weekly 90‑min sessions of group counseling based on
ACT. The General Health Questionnaire‑28 (GHQ‑28) and Fertility Quality of Life were completed
before and 1 month after the completion of the intervention. Primary outcome measures were mean
score of mental health and quality of fertility life. Independent t‑test, ANCOVA, and Mann–Whitney
U‑test were used to analyze data.
RESULTS: There was no significant intergroup difference in demographic information (P > 0.05). One
month after the end of the intervention, the mean overall mental health score in the couples of the
counseling group was significantly less than the control group (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: −8.4;
95% confidence interval [CI]: −10.4–−6.4; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean overall score of quality
of life in the counseling group couples was significantly more than the control group (aMD: 14.8;
95% CI: 11.8–17.9; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on mental health and quality
of life in infertile couples, it can be used in the infertility clinics. Health‑care providers and counselors
should train in the ACT courses to improve the mental health and quality of life of infertile couples.
Keywords
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