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Description

Background: In the United States, approximately 16% of couples, or roughly five million individuals, are diagnosed with infertility (Collins, 2019). The literature demonstrates that the experience of infertility limits the ability to participate in daily occupations and fulfill occupational roles. The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of how occupations and roles are impacted by the experience of infertility and use that information to determine whether there is a potential role for occupational therapy in providing care to this population.

Methods: This study took a qualitative approach using interviews and photo elicitation to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of infertility. Seven women, between the ages of 29 to 45 years, participated in the study. Following data collection, data analysis was completed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis.

Results: Two main themes were uncovered: shift in how to participate in occupations and shift in individual role and role of others. Each main theme was also broken down into subthemes.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated various ways in which occupations and roles were impacted by the experience of infertility, which supports a potential role for occupational therapy in providing services and support to this population.

Publication Date

Fall 12-9-2021

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Medical Subject Headings

Infertility, Female, Adult, Occupational Therapy, Qualitative Research

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the Fall 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium held online at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, December 9-10, 2021.

Exploring the Impact of Infertility on Women

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