Fabio Barra1,2, Valentina Lucia La Rosa3, Salvatore Giovanni Vitale4, Elena Commodari3, Michele Altieri1,2, Carolina Scala5,6, Simone Ferrero2,6. 1. Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy. 2. Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Italy, Genoa. 3. Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. 4. Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. 5. Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy. 6. Piazza della Vittoria 14 Srl, Piazza della Vittoria 14/26, Genoa, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To explore the psychological status of infertile women and men who had in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment interrupted or postponed because of the COVID-19 emergency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey (NCT04395755) was e-mailed between April and June 2020 to couples whose IVF treatments have been interrupted or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence and severity of symptoms suggestive of anxiety and/or depression were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Subjects with preexisting psychiatric disorders were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 524 out of 646 patients completed the survey. The prevalence of anxiety and/or depression feelings was significantly higher in women, mainly if aged more than 35 years and with a previous IVF attempt. The occurrence of these psychological symptoms was significantly associated with the time spent on COVID-19 related news per day and partner with evidence of psychological disorder and, in females, with a diagnosis of poor ovarian reserve, diagnosis of endometriosis or uterine fibroids. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the infertile couples who should have undergone IVF treatment has been significant. IVF centers should systematically offer these couples adequate psychological counseling to improve mental health.
PURPOSE: To explore the psychological status of infertile women and men who had in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment interrupted or postponed because of the COVID-19 emergency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey (NCT04395755) was e-mailed between April and June 2020 to couples whose IVF treatments have been interrupted or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence and severity of symptoms suggestive of anxiety and/or depression were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Subjects with preexisting psychiatric disorders were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 524 out of 646 patients completed the survey. The prevalence of anxiety and/or depression feelings was significantly higher in women, mainly if aged more than 35 years and with a previous IVF attempt. The occurrence of these psychological symptoms was significantly associated with the time spent on COVID-19 related news per day and partner with evidence of psychological disorder and, in females, with a diagnosis of poor ovarian reserve, diagnosis of endometriosis or uterine fibroids. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the infertile couples who should have undergone IVF treatment has been significant. IVF centers should systematically offer these couples adequate psychological counseling to improve mental health.
Authors: S Cornelisse; M S Vos; H Groenewoud; S Mastenbroek; L Ramos; D D M Braat; P F M Stalmeier; K Fleischer Journal: Hum Reprod Open Date: 2022-07-13
Authors: Gemma Biviá-Roig; Ana Boldó-Roda; Ruth Blasco-Sanz; Lola Serrano-Raya; Elena DelaFuente-Díez; Pedro Múzquiz-Barberá; Juan Francisco Lisón Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-07-19