Factors Associated With Baseline Stress Levels at Time of Referral to an Infertility Clinic [160

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Stress has been associated with negative fertility treatment outcomes, yet factors affecting baseline stress levels at the time of referral are unknown. We sought to determine risk factors of stress at initial presentation to an infertility clinic. METHODS: Data were abstracted from the first-visit intake forms of 399 female patients who ultimately underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) (eg, in vitro fertilization) treatment at a tertiary care infertility clinic. Baseline stress level was self-reported on a 10-point scale. Univariate and regression analysis was performed on variables of interest. RESULTS: Mean stress level among all patients was 4.9±2.0. Surprisingly, no difference in stress levels was seen among patients based on duration of infertility, history of any infertility treatment, or history of infertility evaluation. Age, history of live births, obesity, exercise habits, or alcohol use showed no differences in reported stress level. A history of depression was significantly associated with increased reported stress levels (P<.001) regardless of current treatment by either a counselor (P=.9) or psychiatrist (P=.8). Reported marital problems showed no effect; however, sexual problems were associated with an increase in stress level (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Medical and social history has a greater effect than history of infertility evaluation and treatment on stress levels of patients at the time of referral. Greater attention to concerns regarding sexual problems may offer a modifiable risk factor for stress in patients referred for infertility care who ultimately undergo ART procedures.