Impact of COVID-19 on health and psychological wellbeing during fertility treatment

Title of research: Physical and psychological wellbeing among Australian and New Zealand patients seeking fertility treatment during COVID-19

Researchers: Dr Iolanda S Rodino, A/Prof Sonja Goedeke, A/Prof Melissa Oxlad, Dr Sarah J Nowoweiski

Abstract

Background

Worldwide, COVID-19 has disrupted the provision of fertility treatment and patients’ reproductive plans, resulting in heightened stress for many people seeking to form or expand their families.

Aim

Our study explored health behaviour changes and psychosocial implications of COVID-19 in patients accessing fertility treatment in Australia and New Zealand.

Materials and Methods

Sixty participants (58 female; 2 male) completed an online cross-sectional survey about demographics, fertility history and treatment, changes to physical and mental health status, and perceived support. Participant responses were summarised using descriptive statistics.

Results

Patients indicated that COVID-19 had adversely impacted their fertility treatment experience, including interruptions to treatment owing to fertility clinic closure (70%) and fears about conceiving (68.3%). Patients reported negative health behaviour changes, including a reduction in sleep quality (40%), reduced exercise (40%), weight gain (56.7%) and increases in symptoms of depression (38.3%), anxiety (75%), stress (78.3%) and loneliness (38.3%). Whilst most participants agreed their fertility clinic clearly communicated policy about COVID-19 service changes, including information about availability and/or restrictions, approximately 55% reported being offered nil to very little professional psychological support. When provided professional support, this was most commonly via fertility doctors and nurses (48.3%) compared to counsellors (3.3%).

Conclusion

Commensurate with findings from larger international cohorts, this study highlights the negative impact of COVID-19 on health behaviours and psychological wellbeing. Moreover, given the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19, our study underscores the importance of promoting and utilising fertility clinic counselling services to enhance patient psychological care during this unprecedented pandemic.

Reference

Rodino IS, Goedeke S, Oxlad M, Nowoweiski SJ. Physical and psychological wellbeing among Australian and New Zealand patients seeking fertility treatment during COVID-19. Aust Psychol. 2023; 58(5): 336–345.

Research findings were current at the time of publication. As the fertility landscape evolves, the findings of this study may be superseded by newer research findings. Consult your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to you. 

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