ABSTRACT

Infertility is a prevalent reproductive health issue with far-reaching implications for individuals,
families, and society at large. This study aimed at determining the perceived impact of infertility
and coping strategies among women with infertility issues attending general hospitals in Agbor,
Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive Cross-sectional design was used for this study. A total
enumeration rate of 47 women with infertility issues attending general hospitals in Agbor, Delta
State, Nigeria was used since the number of women with infertility issues attending the hospital
is low. The data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire with informed consent and
responses were analyzed using (SPSS package) 25 th edition. The study analysis revealed that the
perceived impact of infertility includes emotional distress 32(67.4%), sadness 33(70.7%),
anxiety 28(60.1%), feelings of guilt or self-blame 37(78.0%), self-esteem 35(74.3%), frustration
36(76.5%). The coping strategies among women with infertility issues include seeking
information about fertility treatments 32(67.8%), talking to friends or family for emotional
support 29(62.7%), engaging in relaxation or stress reduction techniques 27(58.0%), Seeking
support from religious or spiritual communities 28(60.3%), having self-control 30(63.2%),
positive reappraisal 33(70.6%) and seek professional help 34(71.6%). Hypothesis tested
revealed that there is significant relationship between: perceived impact of infertility and the
coping strategies employed by women with (x2=30.258a, P=.021 at P< .050). However, there is
no significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and the coping strategies
employed by women (x2=5.090a, P=.405 at P< .050). The study concluded that emotional
distress, sadness, anxiety, feelings of guilt or self-blame, self-esteem and frustration were the
perceived impact of infertility.
It is therefore recommended that Nurses should enhance support networks, where women with
infertility issues can find solace, encouragement, and shared experiences

Keywords:, Coping, impact, , infertility, strategies, perceived, Women.

Word count: 253 words.