ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Men with infertility experience significant distress, however research on psychiatric morbidity among this group is limited. Literature on explanatory models of infertility, which influence help seeking behaviour is also scarce. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with psychiatric morbidity among men with infertility, their quality of life, and explanatory models regarding infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five consecutive males who attended the reproductive medicine outpatient clinic in a tertiary care hospital were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Psychiatric morbidity, quality of life and explanatory models were assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule - Revised, Fertility Quality of Life scale and modified Short Explanatory Model Interview respectively. Socio-demographic and clinical details were recorded using a structured proforma. RESULTS: Common mental disorder (CMD), observed in one third of the sample, was associated with longer duration of infertility and treatment, family history of psychiatric illness, sexual dysfunction, and past psychiatric illness in spouse. Presence of CMD was associated with lower quality of life scores. Participants held simultaneous and multiple explanatory models for infertility. CONCLUSION: Men with infertility experience psychological distress that can further impair their quality of life. They should be offered support and psychosocial interventions as they undergo infertility treatment.
