Relationship between Infertility Stress and Quality of Life of Infertile Women: Based on the Moderating and Mediating Effects of Sexual Satisfaction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aim to assess the moderating and mediating effects of sexual satisfaction in the relationship between infertility stress and quality of life of infertile women, and contribute to alleviate the infertility stress and promote the quality of life of infertile women. METHODS: As a descriptive study, we surveyed 151 infertile women in G. and B in Korea. cities from November 2014 to January 2015. The data was analyzed in SPSS WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: Infertility stress, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life averaged 3.82±.56 (range of scale 1~6), 3.42±.44 (range of scale 1~5), and 3.52±.50 (range of scale 1~5), respectively. Infertility stress had a negative correlation with quality of life (r=-.709, p<.001). Sexual satisfaction had a negative correlation with infertility stress (r=-.332, p<.001), and positive correlation with quality of life (r=.543, p<.001). Sexual satisfaction did not have moderating effects on the relationship between infertility stress and quality of life. However, sexual satisfaction showed mediating effects between infertility stress and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is necessary to provide infertile women with the counseling on their sexual problems, and the intervention programs for infertile women is expected to help them cope and adapt with their personal and marital problems, reduce their stress, and thus promote their quality of life.