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Araya BM, Velez MP, Gelaye KA, Dyer S, Aldersey HM. Addressing the Rehabilitation Needs of Women Experiencing Infertility in Ethiopia: Time for Action. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:475. [PMID: 38673386 PMCID: PMC11049831 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The psychological, social, and financial disabilities caused by infertility are significant for women, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Although rehabilitation can be an important form of support for such women, infertility is frequently overlooked as a disability or potential target of rehabilitation interventions. This study aimed to determine what rehabilitation-related services and supports are available for women experiencing infertility in Ethiopia. We used an Interpretive Description design. We purposefully selected fourteen rehabilitation, medical, and policy service providers from diverse institutions across three geographical locations. We used semi-structured questions during our in-person and telephone interviews. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with the assistance of NVivo. We identified five main themes, including (a) policies related to infertility, (b) the concept that disabilities are physically visible fails to recognize infertility, (c) the need for rehabilitation services for women with infertility, (d) the importance of wellness services for women experiencing infertility, and (e) the role of religion in rehabilitation services. In conclusion, it is essential to strengthen the policies around infertility, incorporate rehabilitation services in fertility care, and view infertility as a disabling condition for women who experience it in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilen Mekonnen Araya
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, 31 George St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Maria P. Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada;
| | - Kassahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia;
| | - Silke Dyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa;
| | - Heather M. Aldersey
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, 31 George St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
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Nagórska M, Zych B, Obrzut B, Darmochwał-Kolarz D. Factors affecting self-esteem and disease acceptance in patients from infertile couples. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1177340. [PMID: 37521992 PMCID: PMC10375016 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1177340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infertility has been diagnosed in millions of people around the world and is described as a complex medical, mental, and social problem that affects many aspects of life. The aim of the study was to extract the determining factors and the level of self-esteem and the degree of acceptance of the disease in infertile patients and to find differences between women and men in this aspect. Methods A total 456 patients (235 women and 221 men) from infertile couples participated in a cross-sectional study. To collect data a Personal Information Form (PIF), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) were used. Results The overall self-esteem score for the whole sample was 30.50 (15 ± 30) points and for acceptance of the disease 32.4 (8 ± 40) points. In the study group, men obtained a slightly higher level of self-esteem than women (31.00 vs. 30.04 points). Additionally, men had a higher level of acceptance of the disease (33.12 vs. 31.80) than women. Socio-demographic factors such as age and level of education had impact on scores SES and AIS. Clinical factors did not determine the results of SES and AIS, both in the overall sample and in the female and male groups. Conclusion Self-esteem in patients from infertile couples increases with age and level of education. There are also significant differences between women and men, i.e., positive correlations between the level of education and self-esteem in men and the degree of acceptance of the disease in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Nagórska
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Barbara Zych
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Obrzut
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
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Comparison of various aspects of women's lives between infertile and women with and without tubal ligation: a comparative cross-sectional study. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:318. [PMID: 34454492 PMCID: PMC8403402 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to compare anxiety, depression, body image, self-esteem, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) between infertile women and control fertile women undergoing tubal ligation (TL) and using condom. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 women in three groups of infertile and control fertile women with or without TL (200 women in each group), who met the inclusion criteria. They were selected from Royan Institute and a number of health care centers in Tehran (Iran) from May 2017 to February 2019. The subjects were asked to fill out the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), and Rosenberg’ Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). One-way ANOVA was used to identify the possible statistical differences between the three groups of participants. Results The mean scores of all FSFI domains were lower in the control TL women, and the differences between the three groups in all dimensions were statistically significant. In addition, the TL group had more female sexual dysfunction (FSD) comparing to the infertile and condom group (22.43 ± 5.30, 24.79 ± 4.74, and 28.03 ± 3.29, respectively P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the three groups in SF-12 scores (76.59 ± 13.14, 68.49 ± 14.47, and 78.87 ± 12.62, respectively P < 0.001). Also there was a significant difference between the three groups in anxiety, depression, and total scores of HADS (P < 0.001). Furthermore, infertile women had lower body image (P < 0.05) and the TL group had lower self-esteem comparing to the two other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions The findings revealed the adverse effects of using TL on the anxiety, depression, sexual life, body image, and QoL of women. It is recommended that health-care professionals should increase their awareness and knowledge regarding the side-effects of using TL on women’s lives and share this information with the patients.
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Gonen LD, Bokek-Cohen Y. The experience of being an in vitro fertilization (IVF) patient in a pro-natalist society - a form of emotional labor. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2020; 59:273-299. [PMID: 32369421 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2020.1749214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Israel is known as a highly pronatalist society. We conceptualize the pro-natalist state as the employer of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients in the labor of procreation. We characterize the unique Israeli religio-cultural environment regarding infertility using the concepts of emotional labor, surface acting, deep acting, emotional dissonance, and burnout. One hundred and forty-two women and 62 men undergoing IVF in eight public IVF units were asked to describe their emotions on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). We discuss the patients' emotional responses in light of the religio-cultural and the emotional labor context. Evidence was found for gender differences whereby women suffer more negative emotional outcomes than male partners of IVF patients. The pro-natalist state poses greater emotional stress for female IVF patients in comparison with that experienced by the male spouses of IVF patients. Consulting professionals should offer psycho-social care if necessary, focusing on strategies taken from emotional labor theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Dina Gonen
- Department of Economics and Business Administration, Ariel University , Ariel, Israel
| | - Ya'Arit Bokek-Cohen
- School of Nursing, Efrata Academic College , Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Nursing, Tel Aviv Yaffo Academic College , Tel Aviv, Israel
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Sun C, Rong X, Cai Y, Qiu S, Farzaneh M. Mini review: The FDA-approved prescription drugs that induce ovulation in women with ovulatory problems. Drug Dev Res 2020; 81:815-822. [PMID: 32428356 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is defined as not being able to become pregnant after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse. Female infertility as a serious health issue can result from ovulation disorders, menstrual cycle problems, structural problems, and environmental factors. Ovulation occurs once a month between the time of menarche and menopause. The release of a mature egg from the ovary is controlled with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Several hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), estrogen, and progesterone play fundamental roles in the ovulation process. Both FSH and LH are the main treatment for women with ovulation disorders. Depending on the reasons for infertility, several different types of treatment are available for infertile women. Fertility drugs as an important part of treatment work like the natural hormones to treat infertility. Several fertility drugs can regulate ovulation and the release of an egg from the ovary in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. This mini-review is about the FDA-approved prescription drugs that induce ovulation in women with ovulatory problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Sun
- Pediatrics Department, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Xi Rong
- Pharmacy Department, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Yongqin Cai
- Gynaecology Department, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - Song Qiu
- Imaging Department of Brain Hospital, Weifang Peoples Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Physiology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Chazan L, Kushnir T. Losses and Gains of Psychosocial Resources: Effects on Stress Among Women Undergoing Infertility Treatments and Participating in Social Network Systems. Psychiatr Q 2019; 90:717-732. [PMID: 31342254 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-019-09661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This theory-driven study assessed the association between infertility-related stress and perceived losses of psycho-social resources; and the buffering effect of resource gains and type of infertility (primary/secondary) on this relationship, among women who participate in online infertility-related social network systems (SNS). Ninety women participating in infertility-related SNS completed online questionnaires assessing resource losses and gains and stress levels. Results: Resource loss significantly predicted stress (β = .66, p < .001). Resource loss and the number of children were correlated negatively (r = -.22, p < .05). Residency was significantly related to resource loss (r = -.23, p < .05) and perceived stress (r = -.23, p < .05). Israeli participants reported lesser resource loss and lesser perceived stress, compared to participants from other countries. Surprisingly, neither resource gains related to SNS participation nor infertility-type served as moderators in the relationship between resource loss and stress. The association between resource loss and stress supports COR theory formulation of stress etiology. However, while participants noted significant resource gains from use of SNS, these did not buffer the effects of resource loss on stress. Thus, although it may be enticing to turn to SNS for social support, individuals with infertility need to be encouraged to use face-to-face social support too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Chazan
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Talma Kushnir
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
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Naab F, Brown R, Ward EC. Culturally adapted depression intervention to manage depression among women with infertility in Ghana. J Health Psychol 2019; 26:949-961. [PMID: 31216898 DOI: 10.1177/1359105319857175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study tested the feasibility of a culturally adapted depression intervention among women with infertility. Women who were seeking medical treatment for infertility were randomized into treatment and control groups. Data were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 3 months post intervention. General linear mixed model using empirical Bayesian estimates for repeated measures was used. The findings indicate an improvement in the women's psychosocial health in the treatment group as compared with the controls. These findings strongly suggest that the management of these psychosocial problems should be an integral part of the management of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Naab
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - Roger Brown
- School of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
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Mohammadi M, Samani RO, Navid B, Maroufizadeh S, Sabeti S. Coping strategy in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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When treatment appears futile: the role of the mental health professional and end-of-treatment counseling. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:267-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Smith JA, Smith AH. Treating Faith-Based Infertile Couples Using Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling Strategies: A Preliminary Investigation. COUNSELING AND VALUES 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-007x.2004.tb00252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Berríos R, Lucca N. Qualitative Methodology in Counseling Research: Recent Contributions and Challenges for a New Century. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2006.tb00393.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Van den Broeck U, Emery M, Wischmann T, Thorn P. Counselling in infertility: individual, couple and group interventions. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2010; 81:422-428. [PMID: 21075589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infertility is considered a biopsychosocial crisis and infertility counselling is recommended as an integral part of a multidisciplinary approach. This article will outline the theoretical background and describe common interventions used in infertility counselling for individuals, couples and in a group setting. METHODS This article summarizes the proceedings of the first campus workshop of the Special interest group of Psychology and Counselling of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). RESULTS Infertility counselling offers the opportunity to explore, discover and clarify ways of living more satisfyingly and resourcefully when fertility impairments have been diagnosed. The Heidelberg Fertility Consultation Service is presented as a framework for individual and couples counselling and highlights important issues in counselling patients. For group work a number of steps to set up a group within an infertility framework are discussed. CONCLUSION In recent years, infertility counselling has become a specialist form of counselling requiring professional expertise and qualification. Key issues and common interventions are presented to raise awareness for the specific counselling needs of individuals and couples experiencing infertility and undergoing medical treatment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Mental health professionals new to the field of reproductive technologies as well as those in other areas of mental health counselling clients with fertility disorders can benefit from the topics addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uschi Van den Broeck
- University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven University Fertility Centre (LUFC), Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Assisted reproduction and midwives: Student and certified midwives’ educational needs on reproductive biology. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2010; 1:163-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2010.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2009] [Revised: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Paterno MT. Families of two: meeting the needs of couples experiencing male infertility. Nurs Womens Health 2008; 12:300-6. [PMID: 18715377 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-486x.2008.00344.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary T Paterno
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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The Infertility Resilience Model: Assessing Individual, Couple, and External Predictive Factors. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-008-9077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Peters K, Jackson D, Rudge T. Failures of reproduction: problematising ?success? in assisted reproductive technology. Nurs Inq 2007; 14:125-31. [PMID: 17518824 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1800.2007.00363.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper scrutinises the many ways in which 'success' is portrayed in representing assisted reproductive technology (ART) services and illuminates how these definitions differ from those held by participant couples. A qualitative approach informed by feminist perspectives guided this study and aimed to problematise the concept of 'success' by examining literature from ART clinics, government reports on ART, and by analysing narratives of couples who have accessed ART services. As many ART services have varying definitions of 'success' and as statistics are manipulated to promote further patronage of ART services, the likelihood of 'success' is often overstated. This paper is concerned with the effects this promotion has on the participants. We suggest that this very mobilisation of statistical success changes the ability of those who access ART services to make productive decisions about themselves inside these treatment regimes, as the basis for decision-making is hidden by the way numbers, objectivity and clinical reasoning operate to maintain participation in the program. In such an operation, the powerful mix of hope and technology kept participants enrolled far longer than they originally planned. Moreover, how success rates are manipulated raises ethical issues for all involved: clients, counsellors, and nursing and medical professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Peters
- University of Western Sydney, Penrith South, NSW, Australia.
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Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the element of disguise in the infertility experience of men. I conducted a secondary analysis of data from a previous study of 10 men experiencing infertility. Three categories of disguise were identmifed: disguise to protect themselves, disgise to protect their partner, and disguise to protect both themselves and their partner. This study's results indicate that health care professionals need to increase their awareness of the element of disguise and provide interventions for men experiencing infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Ann Sherrod
- The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing, Tuscaloosa 35487-0358, USA.
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Sherrod RA. Understanding the Emotional Aspects of Infertility: Implications for Nursing Practice. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2004. [DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20040315-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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