Depressive symptoms among women undergoing infertility treatment by in vitro fertilization and some associated factors at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2023

ABSTRACT

Background

Depression in infertile female patients not only influences mental well-being but also affects the effectiveness of infertility treatment. Our study aims to describe the current situation of depressive symptoms among women undergoing IVF treatment and some associated factors, thereby providing evidence for patient healthcare management and hospital quality improvement.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 infertile women visiting the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology during IVF treatment from February to April 2023. The BDI-II scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. Participants were also inquired about demographics and some information on reproductive history and IVF treatment.

Results

The depressive symptoms prevalence was 15%, with a cut-off score >13 on the BDI-II scale. Some factors related to depression in infertile women undergoing IVF treatment are education level (OR = 3.9), infertility duration longer than 2 years, and more than 5 years (OR = 2.7; OR = 3.8); causes of infertility from both husband and wife (OR = 3.7); duration of IVF treatment more than 3 years (OR = 3.1); with once or twice or more failed IVF treatment (OR = 1.9; OR = 5.8), and family pressure (OR = 9.6).

Conclusion

Assessment of depressive symptoms should be assessed at an early stage among infertile female patients for timely mental health support.

KEYWORDS:

• Infertile women
• depression
• IVF
• BDI-II
• depressive symptoms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Compliance with ethical standards

The study was reviewed and approved by the Board of Dissertation Assessment, Hanoi Medical University with accompanying decision No.1450 QĐ/ĐHYHN on May 24th, 2023.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tran Tho Nhi

Tran Tho Nhi, PhD is Deputy Head of the Department of Ethics and Medical Psychology at Hanoi Medical University, who has many years of research experience in fields related to Stress, anxiety, and depression in medical students.

Ngo Van Toan

Ngo Van Toan, Assoc. Prof is a senior lecturer of Department of Environmental Health and a Former Head of Science and Technology Management Department at Hanoi Medical University.

Le Minh Dat

Le Minh Dat, MD is a researcher, M&E officer of the Vietnam Public Health Association, and member of the editorial board of Vietnam Journal of Public Health. He holds a certificate in “Introduction to Publication Ethics” from COPE.

Le Mai Bao Chau

Le Mai Bao Chau is a researcher and a Doctor of Preventive Medicine at Hanoi Medical University.