Is social support related to better mental health, treatment continuation and success rates among individuals undergoing in-vitro fertilization? Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

ABSTRACT: Infertility and its treatment via in-vitro fertilization (IVF) represent a global health area of increasing importance. However, the physical and psychological burden of IVF can negatively impact psychological wellbeing, as well as treatment retention and success. Social support has been found to have positive health effects among populations facing health-related stressors worldwide, and its potential protective role for IVF patients merits further attention. We present a protocol for a systematic review of peer-reviewed published studies quantitatively investigating associations between social support and i) mental health; ii) the decision to (dis)continue with IVF treatment cycles and; iii) IVF success (pregnancy and birth rates); among individuals who are undertaking or have undertaken

SUBMITTER: Casale M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8168841 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature