Exploring Fertility Quality of Life and Mental Health Parameters with Coping Styles among Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment

"She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails." 
- Elizabeth Edwards
Infertility is a multifaceted experience that severely impacts the mind and the body of a woman, the impacts are also seen on their emotional, relational, and psychological well-being. This study aims to understand how the fertility quality of life is impacted by the relationship between mental health parameters (Depression, Anxiety, and stress) with regard to the coping styles women use. The study has a total of 70 participants who were assessed using self-report questionnaires, DASS-21by Lovibond and Lovibond in 1995, FertiQol by Boivin, Takefman, and Braverman  and Brief Cope Charles S. Carver in 1997. The results revealed a strong correlation between depression, anxiety and stress, though the mean score for these tests were moderate in nature. A significant relationship between coping strategies and stress was observed but a negative correlation between stress and fertility quality of life was seen, implying that an increase in coping styles does not always indicate an improved emotional well-being. Further, the study also indicated that FertiQol was negatively correlated with the mental health parameters, suggesting that higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress are linked to reduced fertility quality of life. It was thus concluded that an integrated approach catering to the mental and emotional needs of patients should be encouraged in fertility clinics to provide holistic care. The study encourages a biopsychosocial approach to infertility, especially within the Indian context. Recommendations for further studies include a longitudinal study, a gender-inclusive perspective and an intervention-based approach.