| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Introduction The family as the smallest and most fundamental social institution has played a crucial role in the creation and survival of society. It has consistently been the focus of scholars across various disciplines, including sociology. Relationships within the family are considered one of the most significant aspects of social interactions among individuals. The quality of relationships between couples is a key determinant of family health and influences society's expectations regarding family functioning (Taghizadeh Firouzjaei et al., 2017). One critical issue affecting family health is childbearing. Fertility rates in many countries worldwide have fallen below replacement levels due to widespread economic and social changes. Consequently, infertility has become a pressing social concern, leading to psychological distress among couples and, in some cases, dissolution of relationships. The World Health Organization has identified infertility as a major health issue (Hasanpoor-Azghady et al., 2019). Infertile couples often experience stress and depression, both individually and interdependently. This stress can manifest in various psychological problems, including depression, isolation, shame, and feeling of inadequacy, ultimately increasing the risk of divorce (Shakeri et al., 2006). While there is a general consensus that women's roles and identities should not be defined solely by their reproductive capabilities, in many societies, femininity is often associated with motherhood. This perception can be a significant means for women to elevate their status within the family and society (Hasanpoor-Azghady et al., 2019). To address infertility, many couples turn to assisted reproductive technologies. However, the high costs associated with diagnosing and treating infertility are the major factors influencing couples' decisions to pursue or abandon treatment. The lack of adequate financial support can impose considerable economic burdens on these individuals, compounding the stress associated with infertility. Infertility treatment is typically long-term and expensive. Couples must be prepared to face emotions, such as anger, fatigue, and the potential failure of various treatment methods. Some may feel insecure and lose their sense of privacy (Shakeri et al., 2006). Additionally, couples undergoing infertility treatment through donor IVF methods frequently encounter significant economic challenges. While assisted reproductive technologies like donor IVF can enhance the likelihood of pregnancy, they can also lead to substantial financial strain. These costs encompass both direct expenses related to the treatment process and indirect costs. Concerns about meeting treatment expenses can generate significant stress and anxiety, negatively impacting the quality of couples' relationships. Materials & Methods The research method employed in this study emphasized the measurability of variables and the ability to estimate the intensity and direction of relationships between phenomena, classifying it within quantitative methods. This study was cross-sectional, meaning it was conducted at a single point in time without plans for replication after a certain period. In terms of the unit of analysis, the research operated at the micro level, focusing specifically on family units (husband and wife). Data collection was carried out through a survey study, which fell under non-experimental methods. The statistical population consisted of all infertile couples seeking assistance from infertility centers in Isfahan. This included both men and women, who visited the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center and the Pooyesh Fertility Center during the years 1401 and 1402 and underwent treatment. These two centers are the primary facilities in Isfahan Province dedicated to addressing couples' infertility. The sample size was determined using SPSS Sample Power software. To achieve a statistical power of at least 80%, a confidence level of at least 95%, and the ability to detect an effect size of 0.05, a minimum sample size of 140 units was established. Ultimately, 147 individuals were included in the analysis to test the hypotheses. Data collection was conducted through individual, face-to-face interviews, each lasting between 30 and 45min. Convenience sampling was employed and data collection occurred between September and March 1402. The research variables included the quality of relationships, which comprised 2 dimensions: the quality of family relationships and the quality of social relationships, serving as the dependent variable. Financial support was identified as the independent variable, while mental health acted as the mediating variable. Standardized questionnaires were used for data collection. The quality of family relationships was operationally defined using the Rust-Golombok questionnaire (Rust & Golombok, 1985), which consisted of 28 items. Factor analysis indicated that this questionnaire represented a single-factor construct. Half of the items were positively oriented (agreement indicated more favorable family relationships), while the other half were negatively oriented (agreement indicated less favorable family relationships). Discussion of Results & Conclusion This study demonstrated that economic support, including access to medical facilities and financial assistance, could alleviate the economic and psychological pressures faced by infertile couples, thereby enhancing the quality of their family relationships. These findings aligned with Murdoch's theory, which posited that economic support could help mitigate disruptions in family functioning. The results indicated that both institutional and non-institutional economic support could effectively moderate these disruptions. This is consistent with Giddens' theory, which suggests that social and economic support can prevent disturbances in family dynamics and improve the psychological and social well-being of families. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that mental health played a significant mediating role between economic support—both institutional and non-institutional—and the quality of family and social relationships among infertile couples undergoing donor IVF treatment. This indicated that economic support contributed to the improvement of family and social relationships by positively influencing mental health. These results underscored the necessity for comprehensive support programs in the field of infertility that addressed not only financial aspects, but also the mental health of individuals. Consequently, it is essential for policymakers and healthcare providers to prioritize economic support. By positively impacting the mental health of infertile couples, such support can lead to significant improvements in the quality of their family and social relationships. |