#180 : Exploring the Understanding and Attitudes of Infertile Couples: An Insightful Survey from Five Central Java Hospitals

Abstract

Background and Aims: In Indonesia, infertility is not only a medical issue but also a significant social problem. Childlessness often carries a stigma of failure, victimizing couples. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the health-seeking behavior patterns of infertility patients and their access to infertility treatment in Indonesia. Additionally, we aim to examine the factors contributing to difficulties in accessing infertility clinics for couples and analyze the impact of education level, gender, and culture on these challenges. Method: This research employs a cross-sectional study design. An interviewer-administered survey was conducted with 250 male and female infertility patients recruited from five hospitals in Central Java between April and June 2023. Participants were self-selected, and the data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Subjects were handpicked and not chosen randomly. Inclusion criteria: women and men aged 20-45 years, experiencing infertility problems for more than a year, willingness to be interviewed, actively seeking infertility treatment, capable of participating in interviews, and not currently undergoing an IVF program. Exclusion criteria: malignant disease, ongoing moderate IVF program, and pregnancy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25. Results: In the univariate analysis, a significant relationship was found between gender differences and access to infertility services in aspects of discrimination (p=0.006), culture (p=0.006), gender sensitivity (p=0.027), and understanding (p=0.013). However, the multivariate analysis significantly associated only discrimination (p=0.037; OR=4.33) and understanding (p=0.021; OR=5.63). This research is still ongoing. Conclusion: Female infertility patients experience more discrimination related to their infertility and possess a greater understanding of infertility and access to infertility services than male infertility patients. The infertility conditions cause women to face more discrimination than men, leading them to be more inclined to seek solutions, such as infertility services. In addition, an increased understanding of infertility makes women more likely to access infertility services.