Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms among women diagnosed with unexplained infertility and to identify risk factors.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study. Forty-two women from the CHU de Quebec fertility clinic were recruited. Women completed the 'Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale' (HADS) self-administered questionnaire, used to estimate prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms (score ≥ 8).
Results: Overall, 55% (n = 23) of participants were identified with anxiety or depressive symptoms according to the HADS questionnaire. Anxiety symptoms were more frequent (55%) compared with depressive symptoms (10%). According to a logistic regression model, being under 35 years old [odds ratio (OR) = 16.6, confidence interval (CI): 1.9-25.0], never had a previous spontaneous abortion (OR = 5.6, CI: 1.1-43.5) and never sought fertility treatment (OR = 5.5, CI: 1.1-45.4) were associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common among women with unexplained infertility, and strategies should be developed to better support and treat this high-risk population.
Keywords: anxiety; depression; infertility; psychology; unexplained infertility.
© The Author(s), 2022.