Needs of couples undergoing fertility treatment

Authors

  • Alexandra Faria Escola Superior de Saúde, Universidade dos Açores (ESS-UA); Serviço de Obstetrícia do Hospital Divino Espírito Santo de Ponta Delgada, EPER, Ponta Delgada, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7432-7908
  • Filipa Filipe Escola Superior de Saúde, Universidade dos Açores (ESS-UA); Serviço de Obstetrícia do Hospital Divino Espírito Santo de Ponta Delgada, EPER, Ponta Delgada, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0624-6802
  • Jesuina Nogueira Escola Superior de Saúde, Universidade dos Açores (ESS-UA); Urgência de Ginecologia/Obstetrícia-Bloco de Partos do Hospital do Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira, EPER, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2376-2238
  • Ana Paula Santos Escola Superior de Saúde, Universidade dos Açores (ESS-UA), Ponta Delgada, Portugal
  • Márcio Tavares Urgência de Ginecologia/Obstetrícia-Bloco de Partos do Hospital do Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira, EPER, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2820-5660

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31211/rpics.2024.10.2.331

Keywords:

Infertility, Mental Health, Social Support, Quality of Life, Assisted Reproductive Therapy, Scoping review

Abstract

Background:  Infertility affects millions of couples, impacting 17.5% of the global population. Beyond being a medical condition, it affects multiple dimensions of life, including mental health, interpersonal relationships, and financial stability. Objective: To identify the needs experienced by couples diagnosed with infertility undergoing fertility treatment. Methods: A Scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The research question was defined using the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework, and the search, performed on EBSCO, included studies published between 2018 and 2023 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Results: Seven main categories of needs were identified in seven studies: 1) Parenthood (desire to have children and fear of not conceiving); 2) Sociocultural (stigma, social, and religious support); 3) Sexual (negative impact on couple intimacy); 4) Relationship (potential strengthening or conflict); 5) Physical Health (impact of habits and medical conditions); 6) Financial (difficulties due to the high costs of treatments); and 7) Mental Health (prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression). Conclusions: Infertility and its treatment affect multiple dimensions of couples' lives. Identifying and addressing these needs is essential to improving quality of life and treatment outcomes. The role of healthcare professionals is essential in addressing these needs, promoting strategies to enhance couples’ quality of life and adaptation throughout the treatment process.

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Published

2024-11-25

How to Cite

Faria, A., Filipe, F., Nogueira, J., Santos, A. P., & Tavares, M. (2024). Needs of couples undergoing fertility treatment. Portuguese Journal of Behavioral and Social Research, 10(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.31211/rpics.2024.10.2.331

Issue

Section

Review Paper

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