Comparative Assessment Of Quality Of Life Among Fertile And Sub‑Fertile Women Attending A Tertiary Care Hospital

Authors

  • Aneela Ashraf Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
  • Sadia Shoeb Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
  • Malghalura Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
  • Farah Tabassum Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
  • Qaisra Ashraf Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi
  • Reeta Bai Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-4/065

Keywords:

HrQoL, Fertility, subfertility, sub fertile, primary, secondary

Abstract

Background
Subfertility is widely regarded as a deeply challenging and sensitive concern for couples, especially those who have been married for several years. Such couples may experience psychological distress and a diminished health‑related quality of life (HRQoL). The study aimed to evaluate and compare the average quality‑of‑life scores between sub fertile and fertile women.

Methods
A cross-sectional investigation was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sheikh Saeed Memorial Campus, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, between 8 March 2022 and 8 September 2022. Women aged 18–40 years presenting to the outpatient obstetrics and gynaecology clinic were invited to participate. After a full explanation of the study’s risks and benefits, informed consent was obtained. Participants’ fertility status (sub fertile vs. fertile) and HRQoL were assessed. All data were recorded in a structured form appended to the dissertation.

Result
The study included 263 married women, with a mean age of 28.63 ± 5.02 years. Of these, 139 (52.9%) were classified as sub fertile. The mean scores were as follows: physical health 57.4 ± 17.42, psychological health 51.63 ± 17.64, social relationships 54.91 ± 19.87, and environment 43.23 ± 18.67. No statistically significant associations were detected between fertility status and any HRQoL domain.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate no significant differences in health‑related quality of life between sub fertile and fertile women.

Author Biographies

  • Aneela Ashraf, Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Sadia Shoeb, Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Malghalura, Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Farah Tabassum, Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Qaisra Ashraf, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Reeta Bai, Shaikh Saeed Memorial Campus of The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology`

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Published

2025-09-29

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How to Cite

1.
Ashraf A, Shoeb S, Malghalura, Tabassum F, Ashraf Q, Bai R. Comparative Assessment Of Quality Of Life Among Fertile And Sub‑Fertile Women Attending A Tertiary Care Hospital. PJMD [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 29 [cited 2026 Jun. 4];14(4). Available from: https://ojs.zu.edu.pk/pjmd/article/view/4165

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