The determinant factors and the anxiety level of infertile couples during the treatment of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

ABSTRACT

The determinant factors and the anxiety level of infertile couples during the treatment of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were studied in 60 infertile couples between 1 January to 31 May 2000. The instruments employed in the study were Personal and Health Data Questionnaire, the Cornell Medical Index, and the Determinant Factors of Anxiety. The average age was between 36-40 years old, holding a Bachelor's degree and working in private companies earning a monthly income between 10,000-20,000 Baht. Most infertile couples wanted to have a child in order to fulfill the meaning of being a "family" and were anxious about the treatment. The couples in general did not have any background of emotional disturbance. Women were found to have a slightly higher anxiety than men. The determinant factors of anxiety were found to be the side-effects of the infertility treatment, inadequate time to consult with the physician/nurse, the outcome of the infertility treatment, possibility to possibility of not succeeding/infertility cannot be treated and the process of the diagnostic procedures accordingly. The results of the study will serve as a guideline for improving better services and understanding between the physician and the patient regarding the expectations of the IVF treatment.