Explaining women’s beliefs about couple s nutrition and infertility treatment: a qualitative study

Background: One of the most effective and least-expensive ways to prevent and treat infertility is to correct nutrition. Many studies have confirmed the fact that pregnancy increases the consumption of particular foods. Considering the importance of the relation between nutrition and infertility treatment, this study focused to explain women’s beliefs in this issue.Methods: In this qualitative study, 70 women aged 35 to 85 participated in Neyshabur city. Data collection, individual interviews and focus group interviews were applied in this research. Sampling continued until data saturation. Data analysis was done using content analysis method and the ATLAS.ti software. Moreover, outside observers scrutinized the reliability of information rendered by participants.Result: Participants consumption of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios and eating bananas and mix milk, honey, dates, Halva candies and grape juice, carrot and seeds of carrot, sheep’s liver were effective on infertility treatment. They also believed that eating meat is harmful during pregnancy because of damage to the uterus.Conclusion: So, the high regard of women rooted in the classical and traditional medicine. Based on traditional medicine point of view and in accordance with the beliefs of women, use proper food programs according to the type of temperament and can in some cases cause infertility treatment and in some cases protective treatment.

Keywords:

Infertility , Nutrition , Qualitative study , Treatment , Belief