Factors Affecting Infertility-Related Stress & Marital Satisfaction of Infertile Individuals

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The present study was carried out on infertile individuals with either primary or secondary infertility to investigate the effect of demographic variables (gender, employment status, and level of education) on the presented concerns.

Method: The sample (N = 150) for the present study included infertile men (n = 55) and women (n = 95) with either primary or secondary infertility. The data was collected using convenient and purposive sampling techniques from infertility centres, hospitals, and general offices. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction (EMS) Scale was used to record the responses of the participants. G*Power software was used to collect the sample size for statistical analysis including Independent Sample t-Test and ANOVA to investigate group differences and group comparisons respectively across study variables.

Results:  Group differences yielded non-significant gender differences across all study variables. Similarly, non-significant differences were observed among employed and unemployed infertile individuals. However, group comparisons across education indicated that individuals with intermediate education (12^th grade) had received higher support from their significant others as compared to individuals with higher degrees.

Conclusion: The study concludes non-significant demographic related differences (gender, employment status and education) in the cultural context of Pakistan. These findings contribute to the indigenous literature as they are quite contradictory to the existing literature. However, the findings could further be examined in association with indigenous socio-psychological variables. Moreover, these findings will pave way for awareness and education to the masses about the sufferings of infertile men along with women.