The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #53996

Nancy A. Myers, RN, MEd, CPHQ, Community Health Sciences, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272, 330-325-6185, namyers@neoucom.edu

The topic of infertility has been the source of a great deal of attention among the mass media; it has also generated a great deal of social science research. Studies conducted by social scientists to describe the experience of infertility have shown it to be a condition that causes those affected to feel stigmatized, experience role failure, and suffer in their relationships while seeking treatment that is often extensive, encompassing their lives. While these findings are compelling, are they reflective of the true experience of “infertility” in the United States? This study analyzes the current social science literature on the experience of infertility and concludes that while the studies reviewed provide a consistent view of the life of the infertile, it is a narrow view and not reflective of the majority of people with infertility. Studies have largely focused on the experiences of infertility patients who are white, middle to upper class, seeking care that is often extensive in nature from private physicians or clinics. This comprises less than 5% of the population of infertile women in the United States. This has significant implications for health care policy focus (which has often been based on the portrayal of infertility in the popular as well as scholarly press), as well as where future research and outreach efforts should be directed. If infertility is an “epidemic” in the U.S. today, then it first must be addressed with a better understanding of the nature of its impact on the lives of those affected.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• 1) Identify the common life experiences of women suffering from infertility.
• 2) Identify the methodological shortcomings of the current social science research.
• 3) Describe the public health policy and practice implications of this disjoint between the research regarding and the reality of infertility.
• 4) Identify steps that should be undertaken to better understand the experience of infertility in order to develop policy and programs to support those affected.

Keywords: Behavioral Research, Reproductive Health Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.