Exploring support and coping mechanisms for tribal infertility: A mixed methods study

Objective:The study explores the support mechanisms and coping strategies used by 153 tribal couples to navigate infertility.Methods: The data was collected through quantitative and qualitative surveys and analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis.Results: The findings suggest that women received both positive and negative support from their spouses and society, while the family was not positive towards their infertility status.The role of formal healthcare providers and harassment from the community were two significant factors in getting high social support.Women resorted to reliance on the treatment of traditional healers, spending time with a relative's child, or keeping themselves engaged in various kinds of work and activities, remaining in isolation and proposing remarriage or fostering as coping strategies.Conclusions: The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the type of social support for infertility issues of tribal infertile women, which may impact their emotional and social well-being.It suggests potential avenues for intervention and support.