Effect of Nursing Guidelines on Coping of Infertile Couples Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

Context: Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an ovum is combined with sperm outside the body, in vitro. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is psychologically and emotionally stressful. Coping strategies are needed to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing guidelines on coping of infertile couples' undergoing In Vitro Fertilization. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. This study was conducted at the assisted reproductive technology unit of Ain shams Maternity University Hospital on a convenient sample of 98 couples undergoing fertility treatments. Two tools were used for data collection; the first tool was a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess the couple's sociodemographic data, obstetric history, the couple's knowledge regarding in vitro fertilization. The second tool was the ways of coping scale (WQS) to assess coping strategies among infertile couples.

Results: There is no statistically significant difference between couples in both groups according to their knowledge and their coping strategies to IVF before the implementation of nursing guidelines (p> 0.05). In contrast, there is a highly statistically significant improvement in knowledge and coping strategies of couples in the study group compared to control group couples after implementation of nursing guidelines(p<0.001).

Conclusion: The finding of the current study supported the hypothesis, which stated that the infertile couples who will exposed to the nursing guidelines, will exhibit improved coping strategies to IVF compared to the controls. The study recommended the application of nursing guidelines at the IVF unit of Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital and other settings for IVF treatment as routine care to improve infertile couples' coping strategies.