In this study, we aimed to implement and evaluate a Web-based partnership support program to enhance the QoL of male patients undergoing infertility treatment. We conducted a pilot study involving 41 infertile couples from September to October of 2021. We used a quasi-experimental design (pre-test and post-test with comparison) involving purposive sampling. A subgroup analysis was conducted to determine which demographics of the participants would benefit from the program.
Thirty-four participants (mean age 37.3 years; duration of infertility treatment 14.5 months) were included in the final analysis (follow-up rate 82.9%). Although there was no significant increase in the participants' QoL under the Web-based partnership support program, the assisted reproductive technology group (P = 0.03), the no medical history group (P = 0.032), and the with experience of changing hospital group (P = 0.027) showed a significant increase in the relational subscale scores of the QoL before and after the program. The majority of the participants (n = 29; 85.3%) expressed satisfaction with the support program. Participation in the Web-based partnership support program may improve the QoL of some men undergoing infertility treatment. Trial registration Retrospectively registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network on 26 January 2023 (ID: UMIN0000 000050153).
BMC research notes. 2023 Jul 21*** epublish ***
Kyoko Asazawa, Mina Jitsuzaki, Akiko Mori, Tomohiko Ichikawa, Masami Kawanami, Atsumi Yoshida
Division of Nursing, Tokyo Healthcare University, 2-5-1 Higashigaoka, Meguro, Tokyo, 152-8558, Japan. ., Department of Nursing, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan., Division of Nursing, Shonan Kamakura University of Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan., Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan., The Reproduction Center, Kiba Park Clinic, Tokyo, Japan.