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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-07-2018 | Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine

Can a quality-of-life assessment assist in identifying women at risk of prematurely discontinuing IVF treatment? A prospective cohort study utilizing the FertiQoL questionnaire

Authors: Kay Neumann, Janna Kayser, Marion Depenbusch, Askan Schultze-Mosgau, Georg Griesinger

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed at assessing quality of life (QoL) by means of a validated measurement tool (FertiQoL) in German infertile patients before a first IVF/ICSI cycle with ancillary assessment of changes in FertiQoL scores after a failed first cycle and the predictive capacity of FertiQoL scores for treatment discontinuation.

Methods

The validated FertiQoL tool consisting of 24 questions regarding fertility-specific aspects of QoL was used for this prospective cohort study conducted at a university affiliated IVF center in Germany. Female patients (n = 119) filled out the FertiQoL form and questionnaire on sociodemographic variables on initiation of a first- and second-cycle IVF/ICSI treatment, respectively.

Results

On initiation of a first IVF/ICSI cycle, the mean scores (± standard deviation) for subscales emotional, mind–body, relational, and social items were 62 (± 19), 75 (± 17), 82 (± 13), and 78 (± 14), respectively; the total FertiQoL score was 73 (± 12). The mean total FertiQoL score at initiation of a first treatment cycle did not differ between patients who continued vs. discontinued treatment in case of no pregnancy achievement in the first cycle (73) (± 10) vs. 74 (± 14), p = 0.46). Furthermore, the mean total FertiQoL score did not change after an unsuccessful first IVF cycle (74 vs. 76, p = 0.46).

Conclusions

There was no statistical difference in a small sample size for FertiQoL scores between all groups. In this study, FertiQoL scores were, therefore, not usable to predict withdrawal from infertility treatment.

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Title: Can a quality-of-life assessment assist in identifying women at risk of prematurely discontinuing IVF treatment? A prospective cohort study utilizing the FertiQoL questionnaire
Authors: Kay Neumann
Janna Kayser
Marion Depenbusch
Askan Schultze-Mosgau
Georg Griesinger
Publication date: 01-07-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-018-4797-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Can a quality-of-life assessment assist in identifying women at risk of prematurely discontinuing IVF treatment? A prospective cohort study utilizing the FertiQoL questionnaire

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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