Psychosocial wellbeing of infertile couples in Jordan

Background: The psychological and social impact of infertility on married couples alerted researchers in developing countries to consequences of infertility and the need to not underestimate the problem. Aim: To examine the psychosocial wellbeing of infertile couples in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study design was used to collect data regarding depression, psychological distress, life satisfaction, coping, optimism and perceived social support from 248 infertile couples using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected from May to August 2016. Results: One hundred and sixty-four (66%) of the infertile couples had moderate to severe depression. Infertile couples had a high level of psychological distress, low level of life satisfaction, and yet a high level of optimism that the infertility is temporary. Participants had moderate ability to cope, moderate to high level of perception of social support from family and others, and low from friends. There were significant differences in depression and optimism between men and women (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Jordanian infertile couples face several psychosocial problems that need psychological counselling.