A Study to Assess the Psychological Status, Social and Health System Support to the Women who are Undergoing Infertility Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is not only a gynecological illness but also a bio-psycho-social health problem including a lower Quality of Life (QOL), psychiatric problems, marital conflicts and sexual dissatisfaction. Women in India are facing the burden of infertility treatment because of cultural and social stress, lack of knowledge and which can lead to other mental health problems. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the psychological status including the anxiety and depression, level of social support by family spouse and peer, and to assess the level of health system support by doctors, nurses and any health care provider to the women who are diagnosed with primary infertility. Methodology: Quantitative (non-experimental) approach was used. The data was collected from select 80 women who were undergoing infertility treatment at National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi. A standardized scale (BAI and BDI) was used to assess the psychological status and structured questionnaire to assess the social support and health system support among the women in view of getting infertility treatment support for data collection and later data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: The findings revealed that 28.75% were normal and 28.75% had moderate level and10% had severe level of depression, 93.75% had low level of anxiety, 5% had moderate level of anxiety and 1.25% had extreme level of anxiety, the 80% were getting average, 11.25% getting poor and 8.75% were getting good social support. 96.25% women were getting good support, 1.25% were getting average support and 2.5% were getting poor support from the health system. Conclusion: The study concluded that women who are undergoing infertility treatment had faced moderate mood disturbances as well less support from the family and spouse in their life. Further research must be undertaken to investigate better management for psychological and emotional support techniques to surpass their problem and you are valuable with or without a baby.