Chronic Diseases (Home Care) Research Center and Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Center, Department of Nursing, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Womens Health (Lond). 2024 Jan-Dec;20:17455057241260027. doi: 10.1177/17455057241260027.
Globally, infertility is known as a major problem which can ruin a couple's relationship. In recent years, many studies have addressed the causes of infertility, the outcomes of treatments for infertility, and the effects of infertility on couples' mental health; however, the concept of dignity of women living with infertility has never been examined in depth.
This study aimed to explore the dignity of women living with infertility in Iran.
This qualitative research was conducted via conventional content analysis approach.
This qualitative study was conducted in Iran from February to December 2022. In this research, the data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews with 23 women living with infertility selected via purposive sampling. The interviews were continued until reaching the data saturation point. Data analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through Graneheim and Lundman style content analysis, with data management done using the MAXQDA software. To achieve the accuracy and validity of the study, the four-dimension criteria by Lincoln and Guba, namely credibility, dependability, conformability, and transformability, were considered and used.
Analysis of the qualitative data yielded three themes and eight subthemes. The three main themes were (1) overcoming identity crises (overcoming dysthymia, coping with unaccomplished motherhood), (2) respect for personal identity (respect for confidentiality; respect for beliefs, values, and attitudes; avoidance of stigma and pity), and (3) compassion-focused therapy (sympathizing, mental and spiritual support, and enhancement of life skills).
Dignity of women living with infertility encompasses overcoming identity crises, respect for personal identity, and compassion therapy. The policymakers and administrators in the healthcare system can use the findings of this study to create a proper clinical environment toward preserving the dignity of women living with infertility.
全球范围内，不孕不育被公认为一个严重的问题，可能会破坏夫妻关系。近年来，许多研究已经探讨了不孕不育的原因、不孕不育治疗的结果以及不孕不育对夫妻心理健康的影响；然而，女性不孕不育尊严的概念从未被深入探讨过。
本研究旨在探讨伊朗不孕不育女性的尊严。
本研究采用传统的内容分析方法进行定性研究。
本定性研究于 2022 年 2 月至 12 月在伊朗进行。在这项研究中，通过目的抽样选择了 23 名患有不孕不育的女性，通过面对面的半结构化深入访谈收集数据。访谈持续到达到数据饱和点。数据分析与数据收集同时进行。使用 Graneheim 和 Lundman 风格的内容分析对访谈进行分析，使用 MAXQDA 软件进行数据管理。为了确保研究的准确性和有效性，考虑并使用了林肯和古巴的四维度标准，即可信度、可靠性、一致性和可转换性。
对定性数据的分析产生了三个主题和八个子主题。三个主要主题是：（1）克服身份危机（克服心境恶劣、应对未完成的母性）；（2）尊重个人身份（尊重保密性；尊重信仰、价值观和态度；避免污名化和怜悯）；（3）以同情为中心的治疗（同情、精神和心理支持、以及增强生活技能）。
不孕不育女性的尊严包括克服身份危机、尊重个人身份和同情治疗。医疗保健系统的政策制定者和管理者可以利用本研究的结果，为保护不孕不育女性的尊严创造适当的临床环境。
