Quality of life, spiritual needs, and well-being of people affected by infertility and its treatment: quantitative results of a mixed-methods study

• DOI: 10.1007/s10815-025-03463-z
• Publication Date: 2025-04-03T12:25:22Z
• Authors: Madeleine Bernet; Alexander M. Quaas; Michael von Wolff; Alessandro Santi; Isabelle Streuli; Dorothea Wunder; Eva Soom Ammann; Arndt Büssing

Abstract

Purpose Infertility is a growing global health issue that significantly affects quality of life (QoL). Understanding its impact on QoL is essential for developing effective healthcare interventions. This study explored QoL, well-being, and spiritual needs among individuals affected by infertility, with implications for healthcare provision.

Methods Standardized questionnaire data from an anonymous mixed-methods study that was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 in Switzerland and addressing QoL (FertiQoL), spiritual needs (SpNQ-20), and psychological well-being (WHO-5) of individuals undergoing fertility treatments.

Results The analysis included 326 participants. FertiQoL scores were lowest in the emotional domain (M = 46.35) and highest in the relational domain (M = 68.51), with a mean overall score of 56.69, indicating moderate QoL impacts. Participants without children reported significantly lower FertiQoL and WHO-5 well-being scores than those with children (p < 0.05). The WHO-5 mean score indicated moderate well-being (M = 13.89). SpNQ-20 results showed the highest needs in inner peace (M = 1.82), followed by generativity (M = 1.09) and existential needs (M = 0.86), with religious needs scoring the lowest (M = 0.43). Participants without children had significantly higher spiritual needs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion This study highlights the emotional and spiritual challenges of infertility, revealing differences in experiences between individuals with and without children. It emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and well-being in infertility care. Further research should focus on the psychological impacts of fertility treatments, including depressive mood states.