Investigating the Effect of Fasting on Appetite Regulatory Hormones in Thin and Obese Females

Abstract

Background: There is an intrinsic need for human beings to have children. Depression is a predictable complication in infertile females. However, its dimensions need more consideration and investigation. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of depression and factors affecting it among infertile females. Methods: The study was a descriptive-analytical and cross sectional research. The sample included 385 infertile females. The instrument included Beck’s depression inventory and participants’ demographic information. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS through running Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, and presenting descriptive statistics. The data analysis was conducted at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: The average age was 31, 77.1% of the participants had primary infertility; the average time of infertility was 6.8 years. Overall, 24.2% of cases had no evidence of depression, 39% showed symptoms of mild depression, 25.2% had moderate depression, and 11.7% were shown to be severely depressed. That is, 75.8% of them had mild to severe depression. Depression was significantly correlated with age, educational level, job status, and infertility. Discussion: Due to the high prevalence of depression in females and considering the effects of depression on various dimensions of quality of life among couples, it is necessary to manage this phenomenon in a specialized way. Monitoring and paying attention to this problem in relation to the cause of infertility and different groups in terms of age, education, and occupation among females is suggested.