Irrational parenthood cognitions and health-related quality of life among infertile women

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life, irrational parenthood cognitions, and their interrelationship among a group of Iranian women referred to an infertility center in Tehran, the capital of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women who visited the infertility center in Imam Khomeini University Hospital in Tehran participated in this cross-sectional study. Each participant filled out a two-part questionnaire. The first part included background questions, and the second part included inventories developed to assess quality of life and irrational parenthood cognition among infertile subjects. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 27.8 years (standard deviation, 5.1). Mean standardized quality of life score was 59.4 out of a maximum of 100 (95% confidence interval, 56–62.8). No statistically significant linear correlation was found between quality of life and age, length of marriage, or the time under treatment. There was a weak reverse correlation between length of the time attempting to become pregnant and quality of life (r = −0.25; P < 0.01). There was a strong reverse correlation between irrational parenthood cognitions and quality of life (r = −0.64; P < 0.00). Multivariate regression analysis found several variables to be independent predictors of quality of life score. These included having higher levels of irrational parenthood cognitions, being under high social pressure imposed by relatives, and having spent a long time attempting to become pregnant. CONCLUSION: Knowing about the predictors of low quality of life (including high-level irrational parenthood cognitions, social pressure from relatives, and spending a long time attempting to become pregnant) is assumed to help physicians in identifying the infertile women who are at higher risk of developing a poor health over their infertility experience.