Comparison of demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle determinants in infertile and fertile males and females from two big cities of Punjab

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infertility is an apparent failure of a couple to conceive. The demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle determinants in infertility and its related factors should be seen more realistically. Regional variations in the causes of infertility need a completely comprehensive approach that helps to dive deeper into the root cause of the disease and manage it holistically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study on selected risk factors of infertility among 100 infertile couples and 200 fertile males, females attending tertiary health-care centers and in vitro fertilization centers from two big cities of Punjab was conducted. The data were collected using semi-structured pro forma questionnaire. The data collected included the anthropometric measurements, demographic profile, lifestyle variables impacting infertility, and socioeconomic attributes. Data were analyzed to look out for risk factors and their association using the odds ratio. RESULTS: The findings of the study revealed that nonvegetarian diet, more tea and alcohol usage, smoking abuse, and duration of mobile phone usage were seen more in infertile couples which was statistically significant in relation to fertile participants. Occupation, physical activity, sleep, socioeconomic variables, and education status did not show any statistical significance when compared between the two groups. Interestingly, statistical significance was seen in the obese class II category only in infertile males in comparison to fertile males. CONCLUSION: An all-inclusive perspective is needed for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infertility. Health-care professionals need to dive into aspects of infertility treatment other than medical interventions to provide an integrated treatment regimen for couples facing infertility.