Effect of a Nursing Intervention Program on Psychosocial Responses and Coping strategies of Infertile Women During In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF )

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a serious medical problem that has been associated with psychological trauma and stress. Assisted reproductive technology as in vitro Fertilization ( IVF ) has provided infertile couples with the possibility of pregnancy. However these treatments are expensive ,complex and often cause patient distress and psychosocial pressure the nurse role to reduce stressors level for the couples undergoing IVF. Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of using a nursing intervention program in improving the psychosocial responses and coping strategies of infertile women during IVF treatment cycle. Subjects and Methods: A quasi- experimental study design with pre- post assessment was used in this research done in governmental assisting reproductive center at maternity hospital, Ain shams university. A convenience sample of 50 of woman undergoing IVF in this selected. The data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire form, a knowledge questionnaire, and forms to assess psychosocial response and ways of coping. A nursing intervention program designed by the researchers aimed at improving the psychosocial responses and coping strategies of infertile woman during infertility treatment procedure. Media used included videotape, simple handout, and a leaflet of instructions for each stage of the treatment. Cognitive- behavioral counseling was also used. The effect of the intervention was done through comparing the results before and after nursing program. Results: Most women and their husband has university56% respectively. Statistically significant improvement in all tested areas of knowledge were shown after intervention (p> 0.001), reaching 98% of women with satisfactory knowledge of the instruction during egg retrieval, All the areas of psychosocial responses have also statistically improved, except for body image and self esteem. The highest improvement was in interpersonal relationships. Also the intervention, especially seeking support and comfort (p= 0023), and positive appraisal (p> 0.001) . more than half of the woman 56% had a positive IVF outcome had lower stress statistically significantly more coping (p= 0.013). Conclusion: The nursing intervention program was successful in improving women's knowledge, alleviating their psychosocial response, and increasing their use of coping strategies. Better coping and lower stress were associated with positive IVF outcome. Recommendations: A counseling program for infertile couples should be given before starting IVF treatment. A follow up study is proposed to determine the effect of better coping aid lower stress on the completion of pregnancy and its outcome in these women.