Abstract :
Background: Infertility is a distressing medical condition that not only impairs reproductive potential but also adversely impacts psychological well-being. Women undergoing fertility treatment are particularly vulnerable to emotional disturbances, with depression being one of the most common mental health issues they face. Understanding the prevalence and correlates of depression in this population is essential for improving patient care.Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of depression among women visiting infertility clinics and to determine its association with selected socio-demographic variables.Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was adopted. The study was conducted among 100 infertile women attending selected infertility clinics in Vadodara, Gujarat. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables and the Modified Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.Results: Findings revealed that 76% of the participants experienced varying levels of depression. Of these, 34.21% were found to have severe depression, while 25% had very severe depression. Depression levels were significantly associated with socio-demographic variables such as age, type of family, monthly income, age at marriage, and years since marriage.Conclusion: A high prevalence of depression was observed among women undergoing infertility treatment, with many experiencing severe psychological distress. These results highlight the pressing need to integrate mental health screening and psychological support into infertility care services to enhance overall treatment outcomes and emotional well-being.
Keyword :
Depression, Psychological distress, Hamilton depression rating scale, Mental health, Infertility.