An Exploratory Study on Treatment Seeking Behavior and Pathways of Care Followed by Couples Attending Infertility Clinic

JOURNAL TITLE: International Journal of Infertility & Fetal Medicine

Author
1. Inderjit Kaur
2. Nitasha Sharma
3. Jashanpreet Kaur
4. Sunita Sharma
ISSN
2229-3817
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10016-1162
Volume
9
Issue
1
Publishing Year
2018
Pages
5
Author Affiliations
    1. National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
    1. Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Salt Lake, Kolkata
    2. Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
    3. Kolkata, West Bengal, India
    4. Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
    1. National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
    1. National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
  • Article keywords
    Infertile, Infertility, Pathways

    Abstract

    Objective: The main aim of present study was to explore the treatment seeking behavior and pathways of care followed by couples attending infertility clinic at a tertiary care center Research design: The study adopted an exploratory research design. Using total enumeration technique a total of 40 infertile couples were interviewed using semistructured interview schedule. Results: Out of total, 82% couples visited 1–4 healthcare agencies before coming to a tertiary care center. Among all treatment settings and options, majority (62%) visited private health sector as first health agency. Based on first health agency visited a total of three care pathways were revealed with longest pathway comprised total of nine health agencies out of which four were private practitioners. Conclusion: The infertile couples try varied forms of treatments before reaching a tertiary center shuttling from one agency to another. This drains them of all hope and energy for successful treatment.

    © 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved