Explaining women’s social beliefs about infertility treatment: a qualitative study

Background: People always pay attention to their infertility problem as a riddle. Throughout history, humans attempt towards this issue joined together with art and religions. Overall, the impact of religion and religious beliefs in individual and community health is very important leading to an individual’s mental tranquility. The present study tries to explain the effect of social beliefs on infertility treatment.Methods: This qualitative study aims to explain the effect of social beliefs on infertility treatment regarding 30 women aged 40 years and over in Neyshabur by means of data collection, individual interviews and focus group interviews. Sampling continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed using content analysis and Atlas.ti software. The method was to verify the accuracy of data from participants and review practices from foreign observers.Result: The participants recited chapters of Qur an, Islamic tradition and relied on religious books, especially Mafatihul Jenan, and prayers. They used to refer to the holy places or resort to holy water recommended for pregnancy. Furthermore, they adhered to this belief that the men should avid the use of gold as it leads to their sterility.Conclusion: Based on the obtained results and with respect to the importance of reproduction, the in-depth examination of couple s beliefs on this issue should be considered on the agenda of health policymakers and so for treatment of infertility from both material and spiritual interest search solution and also for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with the popularity of people should pay special attention to this matter.

Keywords:

Infertility , Qualitative study , Treatment , Social belief