[Effects of family dignity intervention on male infertility patients and their spouses].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of family dignity intervention (FDI) on anxiety, depression, hope level and quality of life (QOL) of male infertility patients and their spouses.

METHODS

Using quasi-experimental design, we selected male infertility patients and their spouses undergoing human-assisted reproductive technology (ART) in our Center of Reproductive Medicine from June to December 2022 and divided them into an intervention group (38 couples) and a control group (40 couples). The former underwent a four-stage FDI, including ovulation promotion cycle assessment, family sharing, pre-transplantation interview and post-transplantation follow-up, while the latter received routine nursing. Using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Herth Hope Index and Fertility Quality of Life Scale, we evaluated the effects of FDI before and after transplantation.

RESULTS

After FDI, the anxiety and depression scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and the total scores on the hope level and all other dimensions remarkably higher in the intervention group than in the control (P < 0.05). The self-confidence of the couples in the intervention groups in ART treatment was markedly increased in comparison with that of the controls, and their scores on physical and mental health were significantly higher than those of the latter (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

FDI can effectively relieve the anxiety and depression, raise the hope level and improve the quality of life of both male infertility patients and their spouses.