Depression and coping strategies among women with infertility, attending three gynaecological clinics in Ibadan.

Abstract

Infertility is a crisis that leads to a psychological imbalance. Depression as a consequence of infertility seems to be on the increase. Depressed clients are extremely vulnerable but adequate coping strategies could play valuable role inemotional response.There is adearth of literature on depression and coping modalities among infertile women in Ibadan. The study therefore assessed depression and coping strategies among women with infertility attending three gynaecological clinics in Ibadan, using a descriptive cross-sectional approach in eliciting information from79 women. Beck Depression Inventory and Ways of Coping Checklist were used. The mean age of participants was 35 years +_ 6.0 , with increased age being significantly related to depression (P<0.007). Escape avoidance, positive reappraisal and planned problem solving, tended to be associated with reduced depression. Education of nurses should emphasize skill development in counselling in infertility. A future study with larger sample might identify significant coping strategies.