[Psicological aspects in infertile women].

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of stress and anxiety levels in infertile women, and to correlate these aspects with risk factors, in order to obtain data for specific psychological guidance.

METHODS: The case-control study included a total of 302 women, 152 being infertile (case group: 30.3 +/- 5.4 years), and 150 non-fertile (control group: 25.7 +/- 7.9 years). The quantitative approach involved the application of Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Response variables considered were: stress frequency and anxiety scores (State and Trait). Statistical analysis was performed by using the Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests, and logistical regression to test associations between response variables and considered risk factors. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The stress was more frequent in the case group than the control group (61.8 and 36.0%, respectively), however, no significant differences were observed between groups in relation to stress phases and predominant symptoms. With respect to anxiety, there were no significant differences between case and control groups as to median state scores (39.5 and 41.0; respectively) and anxiety trait scores (44.0 and 42.0; respectively). Factors significantly associated with greater risk for high anxiety scores in the case group were: primary infertility, unawareness of the causal factor, diagnostic phase investigation, religion, lack of children from other marriages.

CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that infertile women are more vulnerable to stress; however, they are capable of adapting to stressful events without serious physical or psychological compromising.