Social Capital, infertility stigma and quality of life in infertile women: a SEM model

Abstract

Background: Infertility experience can impair quality of life in infertile women. The purpose of this study was to design a predictive model of the Quality of Life in infertile women based on social Capital, perceived Stigma and time Perspective. Methods: 147 infertile women admitted to a hospital in Tehran in 2016 were included. The main instruments were, Fertility Quality of Life(FertiQoL) questionnaire, Social Capital questionnaire(SCQ), Infertility Stigma Scale(ISS) and Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI). Gathered data were analyzed with multiple regression and SEM approach. Findings: The mean age of sample was 33.51 (SD=5.9). Stigma was correlated significantly (p-value≤0.001) with all six domains of quality of life (r=0.22 to 0.574). The structural model of had acceptable fitness in which social capital was indirectly associated with Quality of Life by mediation of Perceived Stigma (p < 0.05, Z = 2.067 and β = 0.1057) and Time Perspective (p < 0.05, Z = 2.044 and β = 0.0521). Our model predicted 38% of Quality of Life variance in infertile women. Discussion: According to our results, attitude of person to future and society, influence Social Capital along with Quality of Life. Based on our results, culture building about infertility to reduce stigmatization of infertility, could promote Quality of Life of infertile women. As well, reducing stigma can decrease the effects of low social capital on quality of life regarding mediating role of perceived Stigma and can improve Future Time Perspective of patients which also promote Quality of Life of infertile women.