The level of anxiety in infertile women whose ART cycles are postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak
Vehbi Yavuz Tokgöz, Yeliz Kaya, Ahmet Tekin
Abstract
AIM: This study evaluated the level of fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 outbreak, in infertile women whose ART cycles were delayed due to the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was sent to women whose ART cycles were postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak between April and May 2020. The study population were 101 participants. The main outcome measure is to determine the levels of fear and anxiety in infertile women by using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T and STAI-S) and Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). The relationship of the COVID-19 outbreak with the willingness to go ahead with the desire for pregnancy was also assessed. RESULTS: < 0.05). The diminished ovarian reserve and previous ART failure significantly predicted the presence of clinical state-anxiety. CONCLUSION: The state-anxiety was found to be higher in women whose cycles were postponed due to the outbreak and the presence of diminished ovarian reserve also significantly affected anxiety levels. Further research is needed to assess whether COVID-19 will have any impact on ART treatments in the next few years.