Suspension of fertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: views, emotional reactions and psychological distress among women undergoing fertility treatment

• DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.01.007
• Publication Date: 2021-01-19T08:56:32Z
• Authors: Lilach Marom Haham; Michal Youngster; Adi Kuperman Shani; Samantha Yee; Reut Ben-Kimhy; Tamar R. Medina-A...; Ariel Hourvitz; Alon Kedem; Clifford Librach
• Keywords: Fertility clinic

Research questionWhat are the views and emotional reactions of patients towards suspension fertility treatment during COVID-19 pandemic, what factors affecting their psychological distress?DesignA cross-sectional study conducted in an academic centre. Online questionnaires were distributed between 18 April 2020 23 to whose cycle had been postponed or discontinued. The outcome measures included agreement with reproductive society guidelines postpone treatments; willingness resume treatments, given choice; patients' reactions; distress level, measured by Mental Health Inventory validated scale. A multivariate linear regression was identify associated distress.ResultsBecause small number male respondents, only women analysis (n = 181). Forty-three per cent expressed disagreement 82% willing choice. Sadness anxiety most common guidelines. In analysis, COVID-19-related (B 0.145, P 0.04) –0.44, 0.001) found be significantly distress. Background characteristics did not contribute distress.ConclusionsSuspension initial phase pandemic negative reactions. Anxiety related among undergoing treatment, regardless background characteristics. Our findings suggest need monitor mental health provide support should a shutdown care re-occur.