Navigating Infertility: How Tunisian Men and Women Cope Differently

Introduction Infertility is a significant source of emotional stress for couples worldwide. In Tunisia, it affects approximately 15 to 20% of couples of reproductive age. Studies indicate that women experience higher rates of depression (35% vs. 15%) and anxiety (52% vs. 28%) compared to men, largely due to cultural pressures. For these reasons, understanding these gender differences in coping mechanisms is essential. Objectives To analyze the coping styles of infertile couples and identify gender differences in coping mechanisms to inform tailored psychological support. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving couples undergoing infertility treatment at a specialized Assisted Reproductive Technology center inTunis. The participants provided information related to socio-demographic data. Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Cope scale administred in the Tunisian dialect. These strategies were classified into three categories: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping. Results A total of 60 infertile couples participated in the study. The average age of men was 41.1±6 years, while the average age of women was 35.07±4 years. Among them, 68% resided in urban areas, and 73% were from a middle socioeconomic background. Educationally, 47% of women held a university degree, compared to 17% of men. Approximately half of the women were unemployed, while 52% of men were employed. Problem-focused coping emerged as the most frequently utilized strategy (5.93±1.02), followed by emotion-focused coping (5.32±0.82) and avoidant coping (3.95±0.70). Women significantly employed problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies more than men (p=0.017; p<0.01). They also scored higher in emotional support, expression of feelings, active coping, planning, and religious coping (p<0.05; p=0.01). Conversely, men displayed a greater inclination towards acceptance, distraction, and substance use. Conclusions In conclusion, addressing gender-specific coping strategies is essential for providing effective psychological support to infertile couples. Healthcare professionals should promote problem-focused coping to help couples actively manage their challenges. Disclosure of Interest None Declared