Volume 34, Issue 5 (8-2026)
JSSU 2026, 34(5): 10197-10205 |
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ZareMobini F, Kalateh Sadati A, lotfipur S M, lotfipur S M. The Role of Psychosocial, Cultural, and Educational Interventions in Reducing Infertility Stigma in Polycystic ovary syndrome: A Narrative Review. JSSU 2026; 34 (5) :10197-10205
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6568-en.html
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6568-en.html
Abstract: (20 Views)
Introduction: Infertility represents a significant global public health challenge that extends beyond its medical dimensions and is accompanied by significant psychological, social, and cultural stigma that substantially affects the quality of life of affected couples. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), being the primary driver of female infertility, imposes this stigma-related burden for patients.
Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review. A comprehensive, non-time-limited systematic search was performed across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, MagIran, and Google Scholar, utilizing relevant keywords in both Persian and English. This inclusion criteria comprised original research, reviews, and both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on psychosocial, cultural, or educational strategies aimed at reducing infertility stigma.
Results: An analysis of 11 selected studies revealed that psychosocial interventions (such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and peer support networks) reduce stigma-induced psychological distress by decreasing anxiety and depression while enhancing resilience. Cultural interventions facilitate better program acceptance by reconstructing social narratives, engaging religious leaders, and adapting interventions to the cultural context of traditional societies. Furthermore, innovative educational interventions (including the Teach-back technique, short videos, and artistic approaches) with high accessibility and low cost effectively correct misconceptions and significantly reduce perceived stigma.
Conclusion: Interventions that are multidimensional, integrated, culture-oriented, and gender-sensitive interventions that synergistically address psychosocial, cultural, and educational dimensions demonstrate greater effectiveness in reducing infertility stigma. The sustainability of outcomes requires long-term follow-up. Developing standard, culture-based, and multi-level (individual, family, and social) intervention protocols for healthcare providers is recommended.
Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review. A comprehensive, non-time-limited systematic search was performed across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, MagIran, and Google Scholar, utilizing relevant keywords in both Persian and English. This inclusion criteria comprised original research, reviews, and both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on psychosocial, cultural, or educational strategies aimed at reducing infertility stigma.
Results: An analysis of 11 selected studies revealed that psychosocial interventions (such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and peer support networks) reduce stigma-induced psychological distress by decreasing anxiety and depression while enhancing resilience. Cultural interventions facilitate better program acceptance by reconstructing social narratives, engaging religious leaders, and adapting interventions to the cultural context of traditional societies. Furthermore, innovative educational interventions (including the Teach-back technique, short videos, and artistic approaches) with high accessibility and low cost effectively correct misconceptions and significantly reduce perceived stigma.
Conclusion: Interventions that are multidimensional, integrated, culture-oriented, and gender-sensitive interventions that synergistically address psychosocial, cultural, and educational dimensions demonstrate greater effectiveness in reducing infertility stigma. The sustainability of outcomes requires long-term follow-up. Developing standard, culture-based, and multi-level (individual, family, and social) intervention protocols for healthcare providers is recommended.
Keywords: Infertility, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Social Stigma, Psychosocial Interventions, Cultural Interventions, Educational Interventions.
Type of Study: Review article |
Subject:
Obstetrics
Received: 2025/11/16 | Accepted: 2026/05/6 | Published: 2026/08/6
Received: 2025/11/16 | Accepted: 2026/05/6 | Published: 2026/08/6
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