Keywords

Infertility, Italy, Qualitative, Women's Health

Select the category the research project fits.

Social Sciences/Humanities

Is this submission part of ICaP/PW (Introductory Composition at Purdue/Professional Writing)?

No

Abstract

Background: Italian women live in a complex reproductive society, which is currently facing several obstacles: the fertility rate is the lowest in Europe and in Italian history. Due to recent legislation, this infertility crisis is far from being settled. Women who experience infertility face adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate Italian women’s infertility perspectives and experiences, and how cultural constructs (e.g., recent legislation, social stigma, and religion) intersect with the issue. Inclusion criteria included women (ages 18 – 50 years) who lived in Florence and were utilizing the Italian healthcare system at the time of study enrollment. Methods: Researchers conducted 30 in-depth, one hour interviews during May and June 2018. The explored women’s experiences with infertility and the treatment options that women seek within the healthcare system. All interviews were transcribed verbatim along with observer comments in order to identify emerging themes and patterns, using HyperRESEARCH as a data management program. A constant comparative and grounded theory approach was completed to analyze all data and build conceptual categories and themes. Results: Several participants expressed a lack of knowledge on infertility treatments and options. Those that were informed suggested a desire for reform of the Italian healthcare system in regards to infertility, as participants perceived it as unsupportive of women’s and families’ goals. Findings suggest that psychological distress may be present in infertile couples. Italian culture and religion may play an influential part in legislation and family planning. Findings also explore the different resources women use for infertility information. Conclusions: Findings from the research assist in understanding the women’s healthcare system in Italy and how it affects women experiencing infertility. Results also identify the dynamic of social rejection among women that are experiencing difficulties, often resulting from cultural and social norms. Further, findings underscore the impact of religion on infertility experience, including within the healthcare system and in the social environment.

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“I think you might feel isolated:” Infertility knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Italian women

Background: Italian women live in a complex reproductive society, which is currently facing several obstacles: the fertility rate is the lowest in Europe and in Italian history. Due to recent legislation, this infertility crisis is far from being settled. Women who experience infertility face adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate Italian women’s infertility perspectives and experiences, and how cultural constructs (e.g., recent legislation, social stigma, and religion) intersect with the issue. Inclusion criteria included women (ages 18 – 50 years) who lived in Florence and were utilizing the Italian healthcare system at the time of study enrollment. Methods: Researchers conducted 30 in-depth, one hour interviews during May and June 2018. The explored women’s experiences with infertility and the treatment options that women seek within the healthcare system. All interviews were transcribed verbatim along with observer comments in order to identify emerging themes and patterns, using HyperRESEARCH as a data management program. A constant comparative and grounded theory approach was completed to analyze all data and build conceptual categories and themes. Results: Several participants expressed a lack of knowledge on infertility treatments and options. Those that were informed suggested a desire for reform of the Italian healthcare system in regards to infertility, as participants perceived it as unsupportive of women’s and families’ goals. Findings suggest that psychological distress may be present in infertile couples. Italian culture and religion may play an influential part in legislation and family planning. Findings also explore the different resources women use for infertility information. Conclusions: Findings from the research assist in understanding the women’s healthcare system in Italy and how it affects women experiencing infertility. Results also identify the dynamic of social rejection among women that are experiencing difficulties, often resulting from cultural and social norms. Further, findings underscore the impact of religion on infertility experience, including within the healthcare system and in the social environment.