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. 2017 Dec 6;10(1):690.
doi: 10.1186/s13104-017-3008-8.

Psychosocial effects of infertility among couples attending St. Michael's Hospital, Jachie-Pramso in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Reindolf Anokye  1 , Enoch Acheampong  2 , Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah  1 , Janet Opia Ope  3 , Tee Ndele Barivure  3
Affiliations

Psychosocial effects of infertility among couples attending St. Michael's Hospital, Jachie-Pramso in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Reindolf Anokye et al. BMC Res Notes. .

Abstract

Objective: Infertility is a life crisis with a wide range of socio-cultural, emotional, physical and financial problems. This study sought to determine the psychosocial effects of infertility among couples attending St. Michael's hospital, Jachie-Pramso. A descriptive study design was adopted using a quantitative approach. A simple random technique was used to select 100 respondents and a structured closed ended questionnaire was administered to couples who visited the St. Michaels Hospital at Jachie-Pramso.

Results: The study has revealed that the social effects of infertility on couples included exclusion, verbal and physical abuse, divorce as well as stigma. There is high level of despondence among couples who are considered infertile. Reliance on family members for emotional support as well as avoidance of sensitive conversations was the main coping strategies adopted by the couples to cope with their conditions. Infertility has psychological, emotional and social consequences on individuals as well as couples. Families should support infertile individuals in every way that they can so that they will not be isolated.

Keywords: Infertility; Married couples; Psychosocial effects.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Showing the psychological effects of infertility on couples. (Source: Field work, 2016)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Showing social effects of infertility on the lives of respondents. (Source: Field work, 2016)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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