Investigating quality of life and health-related quality of life in infertility: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To review the findings on quality of life (QOL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among infertile women, men and couples.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: Publications between January 1980 and July 2009 in Medline, PsycInfo, Embase and Health and Psychosocial Instruments were compiled using the following inclusion criteria: papers published in peer-reviewed journals; written in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese; presented original findings; assessed quality of life or health-related quality of life as an outcome; included infertile subjects without other clinical conditions; used validated measures.

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measures: Quality of life and health-related quality of life.

Results: Fourteen studies were included in the review. Educational level, will to have children, poor marital relationship, previous in-vitro fertilisation attempt and duration of the infertility were predictors of lower mental health scores in infertile men. Women had significant lower scores on mental health, social functioning and emotional behaviour. Among infertile subjects, women had lower scores in several QOL or HRQOL domains in comparison to men.

Conclusions: Evidences indicate important QOL or HRQOL impairments in infertile women. Among men, it does not appear to be intense. There is scarce knowledge regarding the impact of infertility on couples.