Understanding Infertility and Providing Support for Women Experiencing Infertility in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Infertility, the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, can lead to disability as an impairment of function. Globally, millions of people are affected by this condition, with women primarily bearing its consequences. In Ethiopia, infertility can cause significant distress and burden for women who are unable to meet societal expectations of motherhood. Despite its negative impact on women's lives, there is limited research on infertility and the necessary rehabilitation services for these women in Ethiopia. Purpose: The overall goal of this dissertation was to understand infertility in Ethiopia and explore potential rehabilitation supports for women in this context. Method: A multiple methods design involving three studies was conducted. The first study used data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) to determine the national prevalence of infertility in Ethiopia. The second study utilized interpretive phenomenology to provide insights into the lived experiences of Ethiopian women who were living with infertility. Building on the two results, a third study was conducted using an interpretive description approach to investigate the rehabilitation support needed to assist women experiencing infertility in Ethiopia. Integrated findings: The prevalence of infertility was 24.1% (95% CI 18.8-34.0) at 12 months among women in Ethiopia, which is higher than the 16% reported worldwide. Additionally, women with infertility experienced significant psychological, social, and financial challenges. This study’s participants considered religiosity a vital aspect of their resilience and coping mechanisms. Lastly, women with infertility indicated that they required diverse services, including rehabilitation support such as psychosocial and financial support. This support could be provided by rehabilitation service providers who assist other people with disabilities. Conclusion: Infertility is a significant public health issue in Ethiopia, affecting many women and presenting several challenges. To address this issue, medical and rehabilitation service providers should work together to provide comprehensive and integrated services designed specifically for these women. This can be done without incurring significant additional costs. Policymakers can utilize these findings to review current infertility policies, develop evidence-based policies, and ensure accessible treatments and support to strengthen the infertility healthcare system.