Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Self-help Techniques in Reducing Anxiety for Infertile Women during IVF Result Awaiting Period.

Abstract

In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a common form of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) among infertile couples. Despite its physically and emotionally demanding process, the pregnancy rate is not guaranteed. The 2-week awaiting period after embryo transfer was found the most distressful period among all treatment stages, since women experienced high level of unpredictability and uncertainty towards the treatment outcomes. In view of this, a quasi-experimental study was done in investigating intervention for these women during their most anxious time. 20 women undergoing IVF treatment were recruited and randomly assigned into treatment group (n=10) and control group (n=10) after attending a 3-hour briefing session. Treatment group received an exercise book designed according to I-BMS framework aiming at maintaining a harmonious and dynamic balance among physical, psychosocial and spiritual well-being. Members in control group received educational materials on healthy diet. Throughout the intervention, the members were invited to complete self-administered questionnaires containing Importance of Childbearing index, Chinese Trait Anxiety Inventory and Chinese Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale on the day of recruitment (T0), on the day after embryo transfer (T1) and on the fourteenth day after embryo transfer (T2). By using repeated measures of ANOVA, members of the treatment group showed significant reduction in importance of childbearing (T1: 26.90 ± 4.09; T2: 24.30 ± 3.98, f=2.10, p < 0.01) and state anxiety (T1: 45.20 ± 6.93; T2: 42.80 ± 2.53, f=2.74, p < 0.01), and significant improvement in marital satisfaction (T1: 16.30 ± 2.50; T2: 18.10 ± 2.47, f=3.73, p < 0.04) than those in control group. The self-help I-BMS intervention was proved effective in alleviating their anxiety, and enhancing psychosocial and spiritual well-being. The study opens up of possibility in the usage of flexible self-help intervention to fulfill the special needs of women, and help them prepare physically and psychologically for the treatment outcome.