A qualitative investigation of the experience of participation in Mindfulness-based Intervention for IVF-ET (MBII) with Chinese women undergoing first IVF-ET

Abstract

Aim: To explore what the women experience during their first IVF-ET treatment while participating a mindfulness-based intervention for IVF-ET (MBII), and how they use it to enhance their infertility-related quality of life (QoL). Design: Qualitative exploratory design. Methods: As part of a larger multimethod study, this study shares the description from 38 IVF-ET women. We conducted semi-structured interviews and collected daily practice diary. Each interview was conducted one-on-one within one week after MBII programme. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four primary themes described participants’ perceptions of how the programme benefitted IVF-ET treatment and daily lives: improved infertility-related QoL, enhanced awareness, increased acceptance and regained control over life. Additionally, enhanced awareness, regained control over life and increased acceptance may be implicated in the effectiveness of MBII on the infertility-related QoL. Clinicians and nurses working with women undergoing first IVF-ET have another tool to recommend to the patients.