Mental Health and Marital Quality of Infertile Women

Infertility is a global health issue affecting 8–12% of couples worldwide with incidence of 12–13.5% among married couples in India. The objective was to study the relationship between mental health and marital quality of infertile women and fertile women. 30 married infertile women (diagnosed with female causes for infertility) and 30 married fertile women were assessed using GHQ 28 and Marital Quality Scale. The data was statistically analysed and conclusions drawn. Interviews of the infertile group were recorded, transcripted and Thematic analysis done. Result shows there is no significant relationship between fertility status and marital quality. However a significant correlation exists between mental health and fertility status. There is a marked significant relation between mental health and marital quality in the infertile and fertile group but no significant difference in relationship between the groups. The themes identified by thematic analysis were maladaptive self appraisal and focus on effective marriages. Findings to be concluded that in the field of counselling of infertile women, it would be useful to enter these components to improve and enhance their psychological health.