Relationship of Infertility Stress with Perception of Control Among a Group of Women with Fertility Problem in Shiraz

Abstract

Background: Women with infertility problem experiences high emotional pressure such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The health locus of control seems to have an important impact on health-related problems. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to predict infertility stress based on health locus of control (internal, powerful others, and chance) among a group of women with fertility problem in Shiraz. Methods: One hundred and twenty women with fertile problems were recruited from infertility clinics in Shiraz using purposeful sampling. Participants completed the research measures, including Fertility Problem Inventory and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. Results: Regression analysis indicated that the component of chance locus of control (P < 0.01) and illness duration (P < 0.01) significantly predicted infertility stress in women with fertility problem. The participants who attributed their infertility to chance or fate experienced less fertility stress. Furthermore, those who had a longer duration of fertility problem were more likely to experience infertility stress. The two other components of locus of control, including internal health locus of control and powerful others health locus of control, did not predict infertility stress. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of perceiving control on the psychological well-being of women with infertility problem.