Title
Health-related quality of life in relation to gender and age in couples planning IVF treatment
Author
Fekkes, M.
Buitendijk, S.E.
Verrips, G.H.W.
Braat, D.D.M.
Brewaeys, A.M.A.
Dolfing, J.G.
Kortman, M.
Leerentveld, R.A.
Macklon, N.S.
Publication year
2003
Abstract
Background: Specific subgroups of people planning IVF might be at risk of having more psychological or health-related problems. Identification of subgroups at risk may better enable allocation of appropriate counselling. Methods: A group of 425 men and 447 women planning to undergo IVF treatment filled out a questionnaire. Four domains of health-related quality of life were measured, namely perceived emotional, physical, cognitive and social functioning. Results: Young men and women (aged 21-30 years) planning IVF had more short-term social and emotional problems than people of the same age group in the general population. No substantial differences were found in cognitive and physical functioning for all age groups of men nor women planning IVF compared with the general population. A high level of irrational parenthood cognitions substantially accounted for a less optimal score on all the different domains of quality of life. These cognitions ('needing a child in order to live a happy life') were especially prevalent among younger women. Conclusions: Patients with high levels of irrational parenthood cognitions are at risk of a less optimal quality of life. A short cognitive counselling therapy is advised for patients with high levels of these cognitions.
Subject
Health
Emotional functioning
Health-related quality of life
IVF
Psychological functioning
Social functioning
Age
Controlled study
Emotional stress
Emotionality
Gender
Major clinical study
Parent counseling
Parenthood
Physical capacity
Prevalence
Psychological aspect
Risk assessment
Social interaction
Social problem
Adult
Affective Symptoms
Age Factors
Cognition
Female
Fertilization in Vitro
Humans
Male
Parents
Quality of Life
Questionnaires
Sex Factors
Social Behavior
Social Values
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deg276
TNO identifier
237181
ISSN
0268-1161
Source
Human Reproduction, 18 (7), 1536-1543
Document type
article