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The effect of self-compassion-based programs for infertility (SCPI) on anxiety and depression among women pursuing fertility treatment: a three-armed, randomised controlled trial

  • Assisted Reproduction Technologies
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Abstract

Purpose

To examine the effects of self-compassion training using videos (SCV) versus self-compassion training using digital stories (SC-DS) as compared to a control group (CG) on reducing anxiety and depression symptoms among women pursuing fertility treatment.

Methods

A three-armed, randomised controlled trial randomly assigned 200 eligible women to SCV(n = 65), SC-DS (n = 67), and CG (n = 68). All three randomised groups completed questionnaires immediately after randomisation (T1), after completing the interventions (T2), and 10 weeks after the interventions (T3). A generalised estimation equation was used with the intention-to-treat analysis. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression, and secondary outcomes were self-compassion, infertility self-efficacy, and pregnancy rates.

Results

SCV and SC-DS participants experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3 (p < 0.001; d > 0.8). SCV and SC-DS participants experienced a significant increase in self-compassion and infertility self-efficacy from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3 (p < 0.001; d > 0.8). SC-DS seemed to be superior to SCV and CG. No significant differences were found among the three groups in pregnancy rates. SCV and SC-DS participants rated self-compassion training programs positively and said they would highly recommend them to others.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that SCV and SC-DS were effective in reducing anxiety and depression and increasing self-compassion and infertility self-efficacy. Online flexible self-compassion interventions could make psychological support more accessible for women undergoing fertility treatment in resource-poor settings.

Trial registration

(ChiCTR2100046065) [12/04/2021].

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Data Availability

The datasets analysed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the women who participated in this study. We also want to thank the three hospitals’ obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient clinics’ medical staff for their cooperation and support.

Funding

The first author provided funding for this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China

    Anne Njogu & Yang Luo

  2. Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China

    Francis Kaburu

  3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)/Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya

    Julius Njogu

  4. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Kakamega, Kenya

    Emmanuel Barasa

  5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Juja, Kenya

    Albanus Mutisya

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  1. Anne Njogu
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Contributions

AN, FK, and YL designed and conceptualised the study. JN, EB, AM, and FK assessed, collected, and conducted data analysis. AN, JN, EB, and FK drafted the manuscript, and LY and AM supervised the research process. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Yang Luo.

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Njogu, A., Kaburu, F., Njogu, J. et al. The effect of self-compassion-based programs for infertility (SCPI) on anxiety and depression among women pursuing fertility treatment: a three-armed, randomised controlled trial. J Assist Reprod Genet 40, 911–927 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02771-6

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