The effect of stigma on depression levels of Turkish women with infertility.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of stigma on depression levels of women with infertility in Turkey.

DESIGN AND METHODS: It was completed in the Infertility Polyclinic of the Health Research and Application Center in Eastern Turkey between 1 November 2017 and 31 January 2018. The population of the study consisted of all women who applied to the relevant unit between these dates and received infertility treatment. This study was completed with 121 infertile women. To gather data, the researchers used personal information questionnaires, Infertility Stigma Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory.

FINDINGS: The mean score for the stigma level was 60.79 ± 2.03 and for depression, it was 28 ± 1.08. A positive significant relationship was found among the scales (P < 0.05). The levels of depression and stigma were moderate, and the stigma had a negative impact on depression.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Based on these results, nurses with counseling and trainer roles should be aware of the psychological issues faced by infertile individuals and psychiatric counseling should become a part of the diagnostic process for infertility treatment.