Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Program
Nursing
Supervisor
Dr. Forchuk, Cheryl
2nd Supervisor
Dr. Evans, Marilyn
Co-Supervisor
3rd Supervisor
Dr. Booth, Richard
Co-Supervisor
Abstract
Infertility is clinically defined as the failure of a couple to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. Its estimated worldwide prevalence ranges from 8 to 12% among reproductive-aged couples. In Saudi Arabia, the overall prevalence of infertility is estimated to be more than 2.2% of the population, affecting about 30,000 couples. Infertility has emerged as a significant issue among Saudi couples and there is a trend towards a decline in the number of births from 7.06 in 1985 to 1.3 in 2016, yet little is known about infertility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine sex differences in infertility related stress, coping strategies used to deal with such stress, and to assess the predictors of infertility-related stress in 122 Saudi men and women with infertility. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility Coping Strategy Scale and analyzed using SPSS software (version 29). The results indicated that the prevalence of high infertility stress was 50.8% among men and 44.3% among women. However, there were no significant sex differences in the levels of infertility-related stress (p = 0.472). Significant sex differences emerged in active-avoidance and active-confronting coping strategies, while no differences were found in passive-avoidance and meaning-based coping strategies between men and women. Age, infertility type, etiologies of infertility, and history of treatment failure were significant predictors of high infertility stress among women, whereas among men, infertility type was the only significant predictor of high infertility stress. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including health specialists and psychotherapists, is essential.
Summary for Lay Audience
Infertility is clinically defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular unprotected intercourse. There are two types: primary infertility (couples who have never conceived) and secondary infertility (couples who struggle to conceive again after a successful pregnancy). In Saudi Arabia, infertility has become a concerning issue affecting more than 30,000 individuals. In addition, there has been a decline in the average number of births per woman over the past 30 years. This decline, from high levels of 7.06 births per woman to just 1.3 births per woman, is attributed to changes in demographics, health issues, delayed marriage, and improvements in education. These factors influence family planning decisions, leading to couples choosing to have fewer children or delaying childbearing. However, it is important to highlight that there is limited knowledge about infertility among couples in Saudi Arabia and the factors contributing to infertility-related stress.
To address this issue, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 122 Saudi men and women diagnosed with infertility who were attending the infertility clinic at a public hospital in Saudi Arabia. The study revealed that men experienced higher levels of infertility-related stress, with 50.8% reporting high stress levels, compared to 44.3% of women. The research findings indicated that, for women, higher age, infertility type, etiologies of infertility, and history of treatment failure were significant predictors of experiencing higher levels of stress related to infertility, while among men, the type of infertility was the only significant predictor of high infertility-related stress. The study results also showed that there were significant sex differences in active-avoidance and active-confronting coping strategies, while no notable distinctions were observed in passive-avoidance and meaning-based coping strategies between men and women. Understanding the factors contributing to infertility-related stress could help healthcare professionals provide better support and interventions for individuals and couples facing infertility challenges in Saudi Arabia. To enhance the comprehensive management of infertility-related stress in Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to engage in collaborations with multidisciplinary teams, comprising health specialists and psychotherapists. Additionally, integrating counseling along with comprehensive educational coping strategies could significantly contribute to establishing a more supportive and effective healthcare system for individuals facing infertility. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between coping strategies and infertility related stress.
Recommended Citation
Algamadi, Hayat Abdullah, "Sex Differences in Coping Strategies, Infertility-Related Stress, and Predictors of Infertility-Related Stress among Saudi Men and Women Attending Infertility Clinics" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 9951.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/9951