OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on infertile couples dealing with stress and anxiety during in vitro fertilization treatment.
STUDY DESIGN: 252 infertile patients who applied for in vitro fertilization treatment were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected via four data collection tools including socio-demographic form, COVID-19 Inventory (COVID-I), COMPI fertility problem stress scale (COMPI-FPSS), and state-trait anxiety scale. Data analysis was conducted by SPSS statistical software included statistical analysis such as averages, standard deviations, correlation, regression, and t-test.
RESULTS: Both negative and weak correlations were found between COMPI fertility problem stress scale and subscales of state-trait anxiety scale as well as the total score of state-trait anxiety scale. In terms of socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their responses in state-trait anxiety scale and ISS forms, the correlation coefficients were also so low. The results also showed that public officials, health professionals, and educators showed lower state-trait anxiety scale (stress-related anxiety) scores.
CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in spontaneous pregnancy expectations. Although participants were mostly stressed because of the COVID-19 outbreak, they didn’t change their in vitro fertilization treatment plans during the outbreak.
Decreased miR-149 expression in sperm is correlated with the quality of early embryonic development in conventional in vitro fertilization
