The Relationship between Infertility Characteristics and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) a symptoms Among Women Seeking Treatment at Milad Infertility Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor. Department of midwifery. North Khorasan University of medical Sciences.

2 Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 M.Sc in Midwifery, Milad Infertility Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 M.Sc in Statistics, Deputy of Research and Technology, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.

10.22038/jmrh.2025.83225.2498

Abstract

Background and aims: Infertility profoundly affects multiple aspects of human life, serving as a major stressor and often causing significant emotional distress for couples, especially women. This study investigates the relationship between the characteristics of infertility and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women undergoing infertility treatment.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study examined a cohort of 473 infertile women who sought treatment at the Milad Infertility Center, affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, from 2020 to 2022. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved the use of a demographic questionnaire, the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23 with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 31.25±5.5 years. Among the women, 344 (72.7%) reported primary infertility, while 129 (27.3%) experienced secondary infertility. A significant inverse relationship was observed between the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) and PTSD domains (p<0.001). Of the 473 infertile women, 26.4% (n=125) had a PTSD total score exceeding 44. However, no significant association was observed between PTSD and either primary or secondary infertility.
Conclusions: This study found no association between demographic characteristics, types of infertility, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, further research is recommended to deepen our understanding of these relationships.

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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 January 2026

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