Depression among infertile women in Basrah, Iraq: Prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The extent of depression and its risk factors among infertile women may vary across different populations. The current study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of depression among infertile women in Basrah, Iraq.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 251 infertile women who attended the infertility and in vitro fertilization unit in Basrah City. They were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Depression was assessed by Interactional Classification of Diseases-Version 10 (ICD-10) criteria.

RESULTS: The prevalence of depression among infertile women was 68.9%. It was significantly related to primary type of infertility, duration of infertility and treatment, and threat of husband's remarriage.

CONCLUSION: The rate of depression among infertile women in Basrah was high. Infertile women need psychological assessment and intervention as part of their medical treatment process.