Tile: psychosocial well-being of men with infertility: a qualitative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a growing public health concern, profoundly affecting men's psychological and social well-being. Despite its increasing prevalence in Ghana, research on its multidimensional impact remains limited. This study examined the psychosocial well-being of men with infertility in the Bono Region. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design was employed to provide an in-depth understanding of men's experiences with infertility and their psychosocial well-being. Using purposive and snowball sampling, eleven married men aged 25 years and older were recruited. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis to identify core themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Two major themes emerged: (1) Psychological well-being, highlighting emotional distress, triggers, and perceived life quality; (2) Social well-being, encompassing lifestyle-related issues, social support from partners and relatives and disclosure. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight infertility's profound impact on men's well-being and underscore the need for targeted interventions, including psychological counselling and community-based programs, to mitigate stigma and enhance quality of life. Addressing these dimensions is critical for fostering inclusive reproductive health policies and comprehensive support structures for affected individuals and their families.