Relationship between Hope and Stress with Reproductive Outcome in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Infertility has many psychological effects on infertile couples’ mental health. Stress and hopelessness are the most important factors that may affect the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in these couples. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between stress and hope with reproductive outcomes in women undergoing IVF treatment. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 186 women who were referred to infertility centers in Rasht undergoing IVF were selected by convenience sampling between May and October 2019. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, Standard Newton’s Infertility Stress, and Snyder hope scale was used to measure infertility stress and hope. β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin was measured in relation to reproductive outcome 14–16 days after IVF. Results: The mean age of participants was 33.24 ± 6.23 years. The main causes of infertility were females (41.4%), males (21%), females and males (23.7%), and unknown (14%). Pregnancy success after IVF was 35.5%. The results revealed that the total stress score was 161.06 ± 29.001, and the mean score of hope was 51.39 ± 7.47. According to the results of logistic regression, there was a significant relationship between age and reproductive outcomes (p = 0.036). However, there was no significant relationship between study concepts and reproductive outcomes after IVF. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, stress and hope were not significantly correlated with the success of IVF; although the level of hope in this study was good, stress is high in these individuals.