Depression and associated factors among female patients at Infertility Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Background: From previous studies, women with infertile problems were reported to have at least one form of emotional distress. However, there is still lack of direct study on depression among this group of women in Thailand.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of depression and associated factors among female patients at the Infertility Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Methods: A total of 111 female patients who received treatments at the Infertility Clinic were recruited after they had given informed consent. Then they were asked to complete 4 questionnaires, namely:

1) Personal information questionnaire;

2) Beck Depression Inventory IA (BDI-IA);

3) Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS); and

4) A revised Thai version of Multidimentional Scale of Perceived Social Support (r-T-MSPSS). Univariate analysis (e.g. t-test, Mann Whitney U test, Chi-Square and Fisher’s exact test) was used to examine associated factors with depression and multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictors of depression among this group of female patients.

Results: This study showed 21.6% of the infertile women had depression. Multivariat analysis revealed 3 factors significantly associated with depression, i.e.,history of miscarriage, vaginal discharge, and low level of social support.

Conclusion: Almost 1/4 of women with infertility problems had depression. This study should alert medical personnel to screen and provide help for them.