Impact of infertility on women’s quality of life: A case study of Cape Windhoek Fertility Clinic, Namibia
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
Infertility is a global phenomenon that affects many people
world-wide. The study looked at the impact of infertility on
women's quality of life at the Cape Windhoek Fertility Clinic
in Windhoek, Namibia. With a focus on both primary and
secondary infertility cases, the researcher examined the impact
of infertility on the domains of life, namely, the physical,
emotional, social, and psychological domain respectively. The
aim of the study was to investigate the impact of infertility on
the quality of life of the affected women. The objectives of
study were to assess the impact of infertility on women's
quality of life among the participants who visited Cape
Windhoek Facility Clinic; description of factors that affect
quality of life of the affected women; ascertain difference
between the effects of primary and secondary infertility on
quality of life and lastly to explore strategies that can be
employed to enhance the quality of life among infertile
women. Quantitative research design was adopted in the study,
and data was collected from a total number of 65 participants
who were chosen due to their demographic similarities. A
questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The
study revealed that infertility affected the quality of life of the
women. Findings revealed that 62% of the participants had
primary infertility whilst 38% had secondary infertility. The
data shows that about 50% of the participants rated their health
to be poor simply because they are infertile. Additionally,57%
of the participants have negative view about their quality of life
due to infertility, and 28% were of the view that their quality
of life is good while 3% stated that it is very good. The data
shows general negative views about infertility on quality of
life. Several factors that are affecting the women are such as
emotional, social, and psychological stress due to infertility.
The results also discovered that the participants experienced
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dissatisfaction with their bodies, sexual life and relationship
with their partners as well as fear of socializing because of
infertility. There was a noted difference in the quality of life
between participants with primary and secondary infertility.
The study recommends the need for a public fertility clinic that
is affordable and accessible to everyone, as well as the
establishment of a low- cost in-vitro fertilization program, that
trains the practitioners in the field of reproduction. This can
help infertile women access medical services that assist them
in conceiving. The study also recommends psychological
counselling for women who are affected by infertility to
improve their quality of life
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Nursing Science
Keywords
Reproductive health, Fertility, Childlessness, In-Vitro fertilization, Psychological distress, Life satisfaction, Emotional support, Coping strategies, Social functioning, Namibia, University of Namibia