Purpose: This descriptive study was conducted to
identify the factors causing stress in women
undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Materials and methods: The study sample
consisted of 151 women who were receiving IVF
therapy in the assisted reproductive techniques units
of three state hospitals in Istanbul. The study data
were collected using a Questionnaire and a
Distress/Problem Identification form both
developed by the investigators.
Results: A considerable percentage of the women
whose income was less than their expenses stated
that they feared their infertility treatment would be
a failure. The majority of the women who gave the
answer “the cause is not known” or “me” when
they are asked “who is responsible for not being
able to have a child” stated that they were annoyed
when people asked questions about having children
and felt strained and uneasy on the days of coming
to the center.
Conclusions: We suggest that trainings should be
planned for health teams and health teams should
establish support groups and organize meetings for
couples
P-224. Support groups as an effective tool in alleviating psychological stress during in-vitro fertilization
