Influence of Psycho-Sexual Factors on the Quality of Life of Iranian Infertile Women: A Path Analysis

Abstract

Objectives The current study aimed to test a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of psycho-sexual (including anxiety, body image satisfaction (BIS), self-esteem, and sexual function (SF)), and socio-demographic factors (including age, education, income, BMI, and duration of infertility) on quality of life (QOL) of Iranian infertile women. We also test the mediating role of SF, BIS, self-esteem, and anxiety. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 currently infertile women from January to March 2018. Data were collected using a socio-demographic checklist, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck’s anxiety inventory, Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The overall goodness-of-fit statistics revealed that the conceptual model of the study was acceptable (CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.04). Anxiety (β = −0.44), SF (β = 0.71), self-esteem (β = 0.40), level of education (β = 0.32), income (β = 0.63), and duration of infertility (β = −0.74) from both direct and indirect path had an impact on women’s QOL. BIS, SF, self-esteem, and anxiety were the four major mediators. Anxiety (β = −0.46), and duration of infertility (β = −0.65) were the main predictors of SF. Conclusion: It seems that the predictors proposed by this model are greatly important and should be considered when designing optimal psycho-sexual care interventions for infertile women.