Investigating related factors to psychological symptoms of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment

The impact of infertility and assisted reproductive treatment on the mental health of infertile couples is documented, and the identification of its predictor factors can be helpful in identifying susceptible individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with psychological symptoms of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.

Using convenience sampling method, this cross‑sectional study was conducted on 212 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. The levels of mental disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) of the couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatments were assessed via self‑report questionnaire of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales. Data analysis was performed using paired t‑test, independent t‑test, Wilcoxon signed‑rank test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation, and multivariate linear regression.

The mean scores of stress, anxiety, and depression in women (14, 9.93, and 10.7) were significantly higher than that in men (9, 5.51, and 6.6). Correlation coefficient of stress, anxiety, and depression scores in women was inversely correlated with their age. Moreover, stress, anxiety, and depression scores in men were significantly correlated with the duration of infertility. In both men and women, stress, anxiety, and depression scores were inversely correlated with the level of education and economic situation.

The results showed that during assisted reproductive treatment, women are more likely to experience psychological problems than their spouses. In addition, underlying factors such as age, duration of infertility, and educational level do not similarly cause of lower mental health in men and women.