Infertility Help-seeking: Perceptions in a Predominantly Rural Southern State

Abstract

Infertility Help-seeking: Perceptions in a Predominantly Rural Southern State ABSTRACT Purpose: As the incidence of infertility increases to a public health concern, there are a number of factors, including social and cultural ones, which influence help-seeking. An assessment of infertility perceptions in a rural southern state was conducted to gain a better understanding how they might impact help seeking for rural dwellers from the social and cultural context. Sample: Phone interviews were conducted to collect data from adults, 18 years or older in a rural state. Method: Survey research methodologies were used. Findings: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Respondents reported most often that “Doctors” should be the person sought for help with infertility and infertile persons should assume the financial responsibility for any help they seek for their infertility. Conclusion: The perceptions of participants in this study may have direct influence on the infertility experience of those in their environment from a social and cultural context. Advice they give and support they provide may impact those who experience infertility. Implications for social scientist, health care providers and policy makers include focusing on nurses and doctors in primary care settings and providing enhanced reproductive support for rural citizens.