A holistic evaluation of multiple well-being dimensions in IVF patients and their spouses: A cross-sectional study informed by a dyadic approach

Objective: To evaluate, using a dyadic approach, multiple well-being dimensions in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, to offer them the appropriate professional psychosocial support. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in an IVF unit in a tertiary medical center in Israel. Forty-four heterosexual couples (n = 88) who were IVF patients participated in the project. Both partners filled out quantitative questionnaires during their visit to the clinic. We measured Emotional FertiQol, relationship satisfaction, work-life balance, perceived health state, infertility self-efficacy, and an overall self-evaluation of the quality of life of both partners. We also calculated t tests for paired samples to compare these measures between marital partners. Results: Female patients scored lower than their partners on the emotional quality of life measure. Partners also conveyed higher self-efficacy in coping with the treatments. No significant differences were found concerning the other variables. Conclusions: This is the first study to compare multiple measures of well-being during IVF treatments between marital partners. We propose some psychosocial interventions aimed at supporting the couples that should make considerable efforts to alleviate women's emotional distress and empower them to a point where they may feel more confident and competent to overcome this challenging phase of life successfully.