EJMS

Abstract

Infertility is a significant public health problem with emotional, financial and demographic consequences. The study aim was to assess health services factors that affecting the utilization of treatment of infertile couples. This study used a descriptive design. This study was conducted at infertility Clinics of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. The sample of this study included 300 infertile couples. Sample was selected in the study according to certain criteria: diagnosed as infertile couples at least one year period after marriage with primary or secondary infertility, started or not started their treatment. There are two types of tools for data collection used for achieving the aim of this study: (1) A structured interview questionnaire, (2) Modified Rating Attitude Scale (Perry et al., 2006).The study revealed that, the majority of couples have negative attitude toward infertility and its treatment. Health services barriers hindering couples utilization of infertility treatment as reported by couples, included unavailability of free medication followed by far distance and overcrowding clinics, carelessnes of health team and prescribed un-useful medication. Conclusion and recommendations: The major barriers for seeking infertility treatment were related to unavailability of free medication, and far distance and overcrowding clinics. Based on the findings, the following is recommended; Nurses should have a more positive role in raising the awareness of couples about the infertility and importance of its treatment through developing programs at infertility clinics, and used prepared health education materials. Also provide infertility clinics with sufficient number of professional health teams to help nurses to provide special attention related to medical and psychological care for infertile couples to minimize their problems.