Attitudes of women with reproductive problems towards pregnancy and childbirth and their life satisfaction

Abstract: Introduction: Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (3-4 times per week). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess life satisfaction and attitudes toward pregnancy and childbirth among women undergoing infertility treatment. Materials and methods: The study involved 103 women treated for infertility. Data were collected using a diagnostic survey, including a self-designed questionnaire and two standardized tools: the Test for Assessing Women’s Attitudes Toward Pregnancy and Childbirth, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The average score for attitudes toward pregnancy was M = 23.18 (SD = 3.35), with scores ranging from 15 to 32 points. For attitudes toward childbirth, the mean score was higher at M = 26.11 (SD = 4.36), ranging from 10 to 36 points. The mean SWLS score was M = 22.34 (SD = 6.11), with scores between 10 and 35 points. A significant negative correlation was found between duration of attempts to conceive and life satisfaction (r = -0.250; p = 0.011). A weaker but significant negative correlation was observed for attitude toward pregnancy (r = -0.216; p = 0.029). Significant differences were found in attitudes toward pregnancy across groups (H = 13.95; p = 0.003). Differences in attitudes toward childbirth by age groups showed a statistical trend (H = 7.156; p = 0.067). Conclusions: Women undergoing infertility treatment showed varied but generally average life satisfaction levels. Most women had positive attitudes toward pregnancy and childbirth. Prolonged infertility treatment was associated with a decrease in overall life satisfaction among respondents.