Effects of uncertainty and spousal support on infertility-related quality of life in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of uncertainty and spousal support on infertility-related quality of life (QoL) in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Methods: In this correlational survey study, 172 infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies for infertility treatment at M hospital in Seoul participated. Data collection took place at the outpatient department of M hospital using a self-report questionnaire from July to August 2019. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 28.0. Results: The mean scores for uncertainty, spousal support, and infertility-related QoL were 28.35 (out of 50), 86.67 (out of 115), and 57.98 (out of 100), respectively. Infertility-related QoL was positively correlated with spousal support and negatively correlated with uncertainty. According to the regression analysis, infertility-related QoL was significantly affected by uncertainty, total number of assisted reproductive technology treatments, marriage duration, subjective health status, the financial burden of infertility testing, and the presence of a burdensome person. These variables had an explanatory power of 35.0% for infertility-related QoL. Conclusion: Uncertainty was an important factor influencing infertility-related QoL among women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. It is necessary to develop and implement a nursing intervention program focused on reducing various forms of uncertainty during assisted reproductive procedures and to consider other factors affecting infertility-related QoL in the clinical setting.