Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2024, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (1): 6-10.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20230452

• Original Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Stigma and Influencing Factors in Infertile Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

LUO Li-yan, JIN Ye, SHI Li(), HAN Mei, YU Ran, SONG Dong-hong   

  1. Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
  • Received:2023-11-03 Published:2024-01-15 Online:2024-01-31
  • Contact: SHI Li, E-mail: xyyma2010@sina.cn

Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the status of stigma and influencing factors in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Using the convenience sampling method, infertile patients with PCOS diagnosed and treated in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Peking University Third Hospital were selected from January 2022 to March 2023. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the general information questionnaire, Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS) and Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI). Results: A total of 269 questionnaires were distributed on this occasion, in which 251 were deemed valid, resulting in an effectiveness rate of 93.3%. The total scores of ISS and FPI in infertility patients with PCOS were (61.49±23.25) and (148.32±31.02) respectively, with a positive correlation between ISS and FPI (r=0.719, P<0.001). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that fertility stress was the influencing factor of stigma in infertile patients with PCOS, which explained 43.5% of the total variation. Conclusions: Stigma in infertile patients with PCOS is at the medium level. Clinical medical staff can focus on and identify patients with high fertility stress. Interventions should be developed according to the influencing factors to reduce the level of stigma.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Infertility, female, Root cause analysis, Stigma, Psychological stress