Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

The Social Construction of Infertility Among Iranian Infertile Women: A Qualitative Study

Authors
Syedeh Batool Hasanpoor-Azghady 1
Masumeh Simbar 2
Abu Ali Vedadhir 3
Seyed Ali Azin 4
Leila Amiri-Farahani 1
1 Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Nursing Care Research Center (NCRC), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
2 Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center (MRHRC), Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Infertility is considered an important phenomenon in couples’ life. Infertility and its treatment process influence all aspects of the individual’s life. This study aimed to explain the psycho-social process of social construction of infertility among Iranian infertile women. Methods: This was a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. The study setting was the Vali-e-Asr Fertility Health Research Center and Avicenna Fertility clinic in Tehran. The sampling started purposefully and it was continued theoretically. The data collection was performed by using 36 semi-structured interviews, observation and field notes with 27 women who suffered from primary and secondary infertility having no living child. The method suggested by Strauss and Corbin was used for data analysis. Results: Results indicate that "Concerns over life instability" and "being judged by others" were the participants’ most important preoccupation. Attempts to stabilize life and get rid of being judged by others were key aspects of the social construction of infertility and the main strategies for resolving their preoccupation. This core concept explained the basic psychological-social process of infertility in relation to axial codes. Conclusion: The results of the study show that various interactive factors affect the social construction of infertility among infertile women who focus on the central concept of attempts to stabilize life and get rid of being judged by others. Therefore, in order to achieve this goal, infertile women should be empowered by effective coping strategies.
Keywords
Grounded theory
Infertile Women
Infertility
Social Construction
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Journal of Reproduction & Infertility
Volume 20, Issue 3
Summer 2019
Pages 178-190