The relationship between stigma and fertility adjustment in women undergoing infertility treatment

Student's Surname and Name: Sümbül Dinçer Adviser of Thesis: Doç. Dr. Yeter DURGUN OZAN Department: Women's Health and Diseases Nursing Aim: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between stigma and fertility adjustment in women undergoing infertility treatment. Material and Method: The research was designed as descriptive and correlational research type. The research was conducted at Dicle University Hospital In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Clinic and Gynecology Polyclinic between June and November 2022. The sample of the study consists of 253 women receiving infertility treatment. 'Personal Information Form', 'Fertility Adjustment Scale' and 'Infertility Stigma Scale' were used to collect data. Data analysis was done with SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) 24.0 package program. Results: It was found that the total mean score of women from the Infertility Stigma Scale was 54.55 ± 24.32. It was determined that the Public Stigma dimension, which is one of the sub-dimensions of the Infertility Stigma Scale, had the highest mean score with 18.33 ± 9.26. It was determined that the average score women received from the Fertility Adjustment Scale was 24.68 ± 4.80. It was determined that there was a significant positive relationship between the Infertility Stigma Scale and Fertility Adjustment Scale scores. (r=0.29, p<0.01) Conclusion: As stigma increased, women's fertility adjustment levels decreased. In order for nurses to ensure adjustment with the treatment process of infertile women, it is recommended to increase their awareness of stigmatization and to take initiatives to increase the adjustment of women to the treatment. Key Words: Infertility, Stigma, Fertility adjustment