S J Dyer1, N Abrahams, M Hoffman, Z M van der Spuy. 1. Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, South Africa. sdyer@uctgsh1.uct.ac.za
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study explores the concerns and experiences related to involuntary childlessness of infertile women living in a diverse cultural urban community in South Africa. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women seeking treatment for involuntary childlessness. Women were interviewed at the time of their first visit to an infertility clinic in a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS: All women verbalized intense emotions about their involuntary childlessness. In addition, a large number of women experienced negative social consequences including marital instability, stigmatization and abuse. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that infertility can have a serious effect on both the psychological well-being and the social status of women in the developing world. Furthermore, the study provides insight into the cultural context of involuntary infertility in South Africa. The delivery of good infertility care in a community requires awareness of the implications of infertility and insight into the context in which these occur. Since many of the negative social implications of infertility are probably rooted in low status women in the developing world, effective intervention will ultimately require social, economical and political changes.
BACKGROUND: This study explores the concerns and experiences related to involuntary childlessness of infertilewomen living in a diverse cultural urban community in South Africa. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women seeking treatment for involuntary childlessness. Women were interviewed at the time of their first visit to an infertility clinic in a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS: All women verbalized intense emotions about their involuntary childlessness. In addition, a large number of women experienced negative social consequences including marital instability, stigmatization and abuse. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that infertility can have a serious effect on both the psychological well-being and the social status of women in the developing world. Furthermore, the study provides insight into the cultural context of involuntary infertility in South Africa. The delivery of good infertility care in a community requires awareness of the implications of infertility and insight into the context in which these occur. Since many of the negative social implications of infertility are probably rooted in low status women in the developing world, effective intervention will ultimately require social, economical and political changes.
Authors: Mellissa Withers; Shari Dworkin; Elizabeth Harrington; Zachary Kwena; Maricianah Onono; Elizabeth Bukusi; Craig R Cohen; Daniel Grossman; Sara J Newmann Journal: Cult Health Sex Date: 2013-07-26
Authors: Angela Kaida; Fatima Laher; Steffanie A Strathdee; Patricia A Janssen; Deborah Money; Robert S Hogg; Glenda Gray Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2010-04-19 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Mona R Loutfy; Trevor A Hart; Saira S Mohammed; DeSheng Su; Edward D Ralph; Sharon L Walmsley; Lena C Soje; Marvelous Muchenje; Anita R Rachlis; Fiona M Smaill; Jonathan B Angel; Janet M Raboud; Michael S Silverman; Wangari E Tharao; Kevin Gough; Mark H Yudin Journal: PLoS One Date: 2009-12-07 Impact factor: 3.240