Midwives Percieved Risk Factors, Consequences and Counselling Strategies in Managing Infertility in Anambra State

Abstract

Infertility is a frustrating condition that challenges couples of child bearing age. It affects life of the couple, their family and friends with stressful and depressive consequences. The study investigated the risk factors, consequences and counselling strategies in managing infertility in Anambra state using descriptive design. The whole population served as sample since population is not much. The instrument for data collection was tagged ’’Risk Factors, Consequences and Counselling Strategies in Managing Infertility Questionnaire’’ (R.F.C.C.S.M.I.Q).The reliability of the instrument was determined using test retest method and 0.80 was found. While administration of the instrument was done on face to face. Weighted mean scores were used to answer the three research questions. The major findings are; depressions, stress, age among others are the risk factors. Depression, stress, strain on relationship, social isolation, stigmatization among others are the consequences of infertility. While counselling strategies are cognitive behaviour therapy, group and individual counselling, mind body intervention among others are effective strategies in managing infertility. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made among which are; fertility counsellors should be posted to hospitals and health institutions to create awareness on infertility to reduce the mental issues or emotional turmoil associated with it. Society should be aware that infertility is not the fault of the couples in order to reduce stigmatization associated with infertility.