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


Article Information

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

Authors: Anoosha Tabassum, Rayna Sadia, Saira Khan, Zaryab Fatima

Journal: Human Nature Journal of Social Sciences (HNJSS)

HEC Recognition History
Category From To
Y 2024-10-01 2025-12-31
Y 2023-07-01 2024-09-30
Y 2022-07-01 2023-06-30

Publisher: Human Nature Research Publisher

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 4

Issue: 2

Language: English

DOI: 10.71016/hnjss/rwm1ae42

Keywords: GenderEmployment statusMarital Satisfactioneducation levelInfertility-related StressFamily and Social Support

Categories

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 (12th 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.


Research Objective

To investigate the effect of demographic variables (gender, employment status, and level of education) on infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction of infertile individuals in Pakistan.


Methodology

A quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 150 infertile individuals (55 men, 95 women) using convenient and purposive sampling from infertility centers, hospitals, and general offices. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction (EMS) Scale. G*Power software was used for sample size calculation. Statistical analysis included Independent Sample t-Test and ANOVA.

Methodology Flowchart
                        graph TD
    A["Recruit Infertile Individuals N=150"] --> B["Administer Questionnaires: FPI, EMS, MSPSS, Demographics"];
    B --> C["Data Analysis using SPSS"];
    C --> D["Independent Sample t-Test Gender, Employment"];
    C --> E["ANOVA Education Level"];
    D --> F["Analyze Group Differences"];
    E --> F;
    F --> G["Interpret Results"];
    G --> H["Draw Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

The study found non-significant demographic differences in infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction in the Pakistani context, which contradicts some existing literature. The authors suggest that while societal pressures exist for both genders, the manifestation and coping mechanisms may differ. The findings on employment status indicated that while employed individuals might have more financial independence, unemployed individuals may receive more social support. The significant finding regarding intermediate education and higher support from significant others is novel and suggests that less educated individuals might rely more on their immediate social network for support.


Key Findings

- Non-significant gender differences were found across all study variables (infertility-related stress, marital satisfaction, family and social support).
- Non-significant differences were observed between employed and unemployed infertile individuals for most variables, except for support from significant others, where unemployed individuals reported higher support.
- Individuals with intermediate education (12th grade) reported significantly higher support from significant others compared to individuals with graduate and postgraduate degrees.


Conclusion

The study concludes that demographic factors such as gender, employment status, and education level did not significantly influence infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction in the studied Pakistani population. However, support from significant others was higher among individuals with intermediate education and unemployed individuals. These findings contribute to indigenous literature and highlight the need for greater awareness and support for infertile individuals, particularly men, whose experiences are often overlooked.


Fact Check

- The study sample size was N=150.
- The Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) has 46 items.
- The ENRICH Marital Satisfaction (EMS) Scale has 15 items.


Mind Map

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