Publication:

A non-interventional, cross-sectional study to analyse the quality of life of infertile patients at rural medical college

Background World health organization (WHO) estimates that 60 to 80 million couples worldwide currently suffer from infertility and in India, of the 8.8% infertility prevalence, 6.7% women have primary infertility and 2.1% women have secondary infertility Objectives were to assess the quality of life of infertile patients and to appreciate the physical, mental, social, and psychological sufferings of infertile patients.

Methods The 54 sequential infertility patients visiting gynecology OPD at SMBT IMS were self-administered a pre-validated questionnaire having 26 questions, divided into 3 components 1. Physical and psychological health of infertile patients. 2. Marital relationships of infertile patients. 3. Self-assessment of social status.

Results Out of 54 responders, 32 participants were female and 22 were male. Maximum responders had Primary infertility. In our study 46% responders felt they were sad and depressed, and 37% feel infertility makes them angry in their physical, social and work life, 35% responders felt it was difficult to talk to their about infertility. The 24% had severe form of physical pain and discomfort and 48% people were dissatisfied with their sexual relationship, 46% felt uncomfortable and incomplete attending social situations like holidays and celebrations as they felt they were topic of discussion all the time.

Conclusions This study, hopes to generate an empathetic approach among the masses towards patients with infertility. It might help to highlight the need for separate infertility OPDs and to include a psychological counseling dimension to the treatment of infertility