Effects of depression on the quality of life of infertile couples: a study based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model

Abstract

Objective To study the effect of depression on the quality of life of infertile couples by using a binary analysis method, namely the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Methods A total of 191 infertile couples admitted to the reproductive center of Peking union medical college hospital from May 2019 to August 2019 were selected for a cross-sectional survey using the simplified Chinese version of FertiQoL and PHQ-9, and the path relationship of the mutual influence of the quality of life of couples was analyzed through the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Results Depression in both wives and husbands significantly predicted their own quality of life (β=-0.569, P<0.01; β=-0.588, P<0.01), the main effect was significant. In terms of object effect, male depression had a significant effect on women's quality of life (β=-0.253, P=0.032), while wife depression had no statistical significance on men's quality of life. Conclusions The results confirm that the quality of life of infertile couples is affected by individual and object depression. Therefore, evaluating both partners from a systematic perspective can improve the complexity of psychological problems in infertile couples and help healthcare professionals develop interventions to help infertile couples manage psychological and social stress. Key words: Fertility quality of life scale; Depression; Infertility; Model of subject and object interdependence