A study of sociocultural factors on depression in Chinese infertile women from Hunan Province

Abstract

<p><b>Objective:</b> To explore the sociocultural factors influencing depression in Chinese infertile women in Hunan Province.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 211 Chinese infertile women completed demographic details, a disease-related information questionnaire, a self-rating depression scale (SDS) and a social support rating scale (SSRS).</p> <p><b>Results:</b> One hundred and seven (50.71%) of the participants were classified as depressed according to the self-rating depression scale. The average SDS index score was 50.06 ± 10.59. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation and a multivariable regression analysis, the results showed family type, feelings of discrimination, social support, feelings of shame and reproductive pressures were influential factors in depression among Chinese infertile women.</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> Sociocultural factors influence depression levels in Chinese female infertile patients. The unique aspects of Chinese culture may have a negative mental impact on the patients, and cultural factors should be taken into consideration in the development of coping strategies for Chinese infertile women.</p

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