Exploring the Psychosocial Effects of Male Infertility and the Experiences of Healthcare Workers in Fertility Centers in Osogbo, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a major public health concern worldwide. There remain gaps in qualitative research specifically exploring the psychosocial experiences of men dealing with infertility. This study, therefore, explored the psychosocial and emotional effects of male infertility and examined the experiences and challenges faced by healthcare workers involved in the management of male infertility centers in Osogbo, Nigeria. METHOD: The study was a qualitative study carried out among male patients attending fertility centers and health workers in Osogbo. Inclusion criteria include male patients who have been engaged in deliberate attempts to achieve pregnancy and are seeking medical assistance in the selected fertility centers, as well as health workers currently involved in infertility management for at least six months. Exclusion criteria include men and health workers who are ill or unwilling to participate. The study employed a two-stage purposive sampling approach. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among male patients and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with healthcare workers. Informed written consent was obtained from participants. Data from the discussions and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the ATLAS.ti software (Lumivero, LLC, Denver, CO, USA). Thematic analysis was employed to categorize responses into different themes. RESULT: All the respondents acknowledged that male infertility can lead to psychological, emotional, and social distress for the family. Health workers encountered challenges in giving health talks, including denial and unwillingness to accept the results, feeling embarrassed, and the belief that the women should be the cause of infertility and not the male. Similarly, it is extra difficult to counsel men who have fathered a child before and are infertile. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the necessity for healthcare systems to adopt comprehensive strategies that address both the medical and psychosocial aspects of male infertility.