#24 : The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Levels of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Infertile Couples. A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: Many infertile couples require assisted conception and success rate depends on patient’s age. Hence, time is a huge factor. Therefore, due to postponement of fertility services and fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic, we hypothesized that these couple would experience a heightened level of stress, anxiety and depression. Method: This cross-sectional study was done in the reproductive unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, between July 16, 2021, and December 17, 2021. 165 patients were included in the final analysis. Couples who were planned for fertility treatment were recruited and asked to answer an anonymous electronic survey that contained depression, anxiety, and stress scales (DASS-21). Results: From univariate analysis, stress was found to be significant in 20–30-year-old, Chinese patients, degree and postgraduate degree holders, patients with endometriosis, and those that have had infertility for 5 years. Anxiety was significant in 20–30-year-old, males, Chinese and Indian patients, diploma, degree, and postgraduate degree holders, and couples with infertility for at least 5 years and between 5–10 years. Depression was also prevalent among males, Chinese and Indian patients, degree holders, and patients with endometriosis. Multivariate logistic regression was subsequently performed, taking into account potential confounders in the prediction of clinically significant psychological distress. Mild 1.3E7 (2.2E6-8.0E7), p = 0.001 and moderate 2.7E7 (4.9E6-1.4E8), p = 0.001 stress levels were found to be significant among the 20–30-year-old age group. Other background variables, however, did not contribute significantly to the psychological distress. Conclusion: Disruption of fertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant psychological impact on patients’ mental health, especially among the younger age group. Psychological assessment and counselling should be mandatory if there are prolonged unscheduled disruption in provision of fertility treatment to infertile couples.