Psychological Distress and Quality of Life Among Infertility Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment in Malaysia
Dublin Core
Title
Psychological Distress and Quality of Life Among Infertility Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment in Malaysia
Subject
infertility, psychological distress, quality of life
Description
Infertility often leads to stress, anxiety, and depression, significantly affecting the quality of life of affected couples. This
study explored the sociodemographic and psychological factors influencing the quality of life among infertile couples
undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in Malaysia, using a cross-sectional design. A total of 126 infertile
couples were purposively sampled from three public hospitals offering IVF treatment. The Depression, Anxiety, and
Stress Scale (DASS-21) measured psychological distress levels, while the Fertility Quality of Life (Ferti-QoL) scale
assessed fertility-related quality of life. Data collection adhered to strict ethical standards, with confidentiality ensured.
Participants provided informed consent and completed surveys independently in private settings to ensure unbiased
responses. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression, were employed to identify
significant patterns and predictors. Results revealed that wives had significantly lower FertiQoL scores compared to
husbands (p < 0.001). Wives also experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as indicated by DASS-21
scores (p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified stress (p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.04), depression (p < 0.001), and gender
(p = 0.02) as significant predictors of quality of life. Elevated levels of psychological distress were associated with a
notable decline in quality of life, particularly among wives. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental
health needs among couples undergoing IVF. Healthcare providers should focus on emotional preparedness and develop
targeted strategies to reduce psychological distress, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life during treatment.
study explored the sociodemographic and psychological factors influencing the quality of life among infertile couples
undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in Malaysia, using a cross-sectional design. A total of 126 infertile
couples were purposively sampled from three public hospitals offering IVF treatment. The Depression, Anxiety, and
Stress Scale (DASS-21) measured psychological distress levels, while the Fertility Quality of Life (Ferti-QoL) scale
assessed fertility-related quality of life. Data collection adhered to strict ethical standards, with confidentiality ensured.
Participants provided informed consent and completed surveys independently in private settings to ensure unbiased
responses. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression, were employed to identify
significant patterns and predictors. Results revealed that wives had significantly lower FertiQoL scores compared to
husbands (p < 0.001). Wives also experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as indicated by DASS-21
scores (p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified stress (p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.04), depression (p < 0.001), and gender
(p = 0.02) as significant predictors of quality of life. Elevated levels of psychological distress were associated with a
notable decline in quality of life, particularly among wives. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental
health needs among couples undergoing IVF. Healthcare providers should focus on emotional preparedness and develop
targeted strategies to reduce psychological distress, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life during treatment.
Creator
Farrahdilla Hamzah, Zamzaliza Abdul Mulud, Malini Mat Napes, Sarah Abdul Mubarak, Rosliza Shafie
Source
DOI: 10.7454/jki.v28i3.1271
Publisher
Universitas Indonesia
Date
2025
Contributor
Sri Wahyuni
Rights
pISSN 1410-4490; eISSN 2354-9203
Format
PDF
Language
English
Type
Text
Files
Collection
Citation
Farrahdilla Hamzah, Zamzaliza Abdul Mulud, Malini Mat Napes, Sarah Abdul Mubarak, Rosliza Shafie, “Psychological Distress and Quality of Life Among Infertility Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment in Malaysia,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed February 21, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/10995.