Psychological Distress and Social Burden of Infertility: A Cross-sectional Study of Women in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a major reproductive and public-health concern that may be accompanied by psychological distress, social stigma, and marital strain, particularly in pronatalist settings where childbearing is strongly linked to family continuity and social identity. This study assessed the self-reported psychological and social burden of infertility among women attending the fertility clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women attending the fertility clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Gusau. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Of the 92 women approached, 87 completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 94.6%. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, infertility-related psychological experiences, social challenges, and marital concerns. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Results: The findings showed a substantial self-reported psychosocial burden among the respondents. Psychological challenges were common, with 81.6% of participants reporting intense stress, 76.0% reporting anxiety about the future, 74.7% reporting feelings of incompleteness, and 69.0% reporting depressive feelings following failed treatment. Socially, 80.5% of respondents reported pressure from family members, 77.0% experienced community stigma, 73.6% reported being blamed for infertility, and 65.5% reported social exclusion. Marital concerns were also frequently reported, including marital misunderstandings among 70.1% of respondents and pressure or concern related to polygamy among 68.9%. Conclusion: Infertility was associated with substantial self-reported psychological distress, social burden, and marital strain among women attending the fertility clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Gusau. Because the study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and convenience sampling, the findings should be interpreted as clinic-based self-reported patterns rather than causal evidence. The results highlight the need to integrate psychosocial counselling, couple-focused support, and stigma-reduction education into fertility-care services in the study setting.