Association of Depression and Resilience with Fertility Quality of Life among patients presenting to the infertility Centre for treatment in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: In Pakistan there is a dire need to explore the quality of life in infertile males and females and its undesirable psychological outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was: 1. To compare the QoL of males and females presenting at an infertility centre for treatment, 2. To assess the association of QoL with resilience, depression, and other socio-demographic factors in males and females presenting at an infertility clinic for treatment. Methods: An Analytical Cross-Sectional study was conducted and the study participants were recruited from the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Centre (ACIMC), Karachi, Pakistan. The non-probability (purposive) sampling strategy was used to recruit the participants. The sample size was 668. Data was analysed using STATA version 12. Results : After adjusting for the covariates we observed that the males who were less resilient their QoL was 8.47 units significantly lower and those who were depressed their QoL was 17.849 units significantly lower as compared to those who were more resilient and less depressed. Moreover, formal education, low monthly income, and friends were significantly associated with QoL among males . On the other hand, females who were less resilient their QoL was 8.606 units lower and those who were depressed their QoL was 19.387 units significantly lower as compared to those who were more resilient and less depressed. Additionally, formal education and low monthly income had a significant association with QoL among females. Conclusion: Fertility related QoL of men and women has a significant association with no formal education, number of friends, income, depression and resilience. Therefore, health care professionals in the field of infertility must be adequately trained to respond to the needs of individuals going through these psychological problems.