Prevalence and Predictive Factors for Infertility-related Stress Among Infertile Couples: A Cross-sectional Study from Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Objectives: To assess the level of infertility-related stress, associated socio-economic, and demographic factors among infertile couples living in Jordan and those living under the chronic Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a number of fertility and reproductive clinics in Jordan and occupied Palestinian territories over a period of 6 months. Trained clinical pharmacists interviewed the identified couples.

Results: A total of 443 participants were interviewed. Three variables were significantly and independently associated with global stress scores. The need of parenthood appears higher in women than men among infertile couples in Jordan and Palestine (=0.005). The country of origin (<0.001) made the greatest contribution of unique variance followed by family type (=0.035). Additionally, a significant contribution to the model was carried out by the number of clinicians who followed up on the case (=0.013). The average total cost of treatment since the problem had been diagnosed was 2936±4529 Jordanian dinar, which may be of concern to both Jordanians and Palestinians given the limited resources available in developing nations.

Conclusion: This study shows a significant degree of stress among infertile couples. The place of origin, family structure, and presence of medical insurance had a significant impact on the infertility global stress score. This study emphasizes the necessity for specific psychological therapies that are currently lacking in public healthcare practices in both Jordan and Palestine.