Interplay between depression, anxiety and quality of life among couples attending infertility clinic at a tertiary institution in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Infertility poses a profound challenge for millions of couples globally, ranking as the 5th global disability. The resultant distress often leads to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, significantly impacting quality of life. However, mental health concerns among infertile couples, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, remain overlooked. In Kenya, data on depression and anxiety prevalence in this population is scarce.
Aim: This study aimed to assess depression and anxiety prevalence and their correlation with quality of life among couples attending Kenyatta National Hospital's infertility clinic. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional design; 42 infertile couples were consecutively sampled. A questionnaire captured socio-demographic and clinical data. Depression and anxiety severity were measured using Beck’s Depression Inventory-II and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory respectively, while the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire assessed quality of life. Data analysis utilized IBM SPSS statistics version 25 and STATA v.17.
Results: Depression prevalence stood at 42%, notably higher in females, while anxiety prevalence was 31%, also higher in females. Most participants rated their quality of life as average (35%) or poor (23%), with women consistently scoring lower across domains. Negative correlations were observed between depression and quality of life, anxiety and quality of life, and a positive correlation between depression and anxiety.
Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are significantly prevalent among infertile individuals, with women disproportionately affected and negatively impacts on quality of life. Timely screening and management of disorders by healthcare providers in infertility clinics are crucial to enhancing overall well-being for couples grappling with infertility.