Psychosocial Impact of Infertility on Women Attending Fertility Clinics in the South East and South South Zones

Infertility carries profound psychosocial consequences for women in Nigerian cultural contexts where childbearing is central to marital identity and social status, yet empirical characterisation of these impacts across the South East and South South zones is limited. This study examines the psychosocial impact of infertility on women attending fertility clinics in Enugu (South East) and Bayelsa (South South) States. A cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 200 women with primary or secondary infertility (100 per zone) at teaching hospital fertility clinics. Standardised instruments including the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered alongside sociodemographic questionnaires. Social infertility concerns scored highest on the FPI across both zones, followed by sexual concerns and marital concerns. Probable anxiety was identified in 52 percent and probable depression in 44 percent by HADS thresholds. South South zone respondents reported significantly higher marital threat and social stigma scores than South East counterparts. Duration of infertility exceeding three years and secondary infertility were associated with worse psychological outcomes. Only 9 percent of respondents had received psychosocial support from their fertility care provider. The study identifies a substantial and unaddressed psychosocial burden and recommends integrated counselling services, psychologist co-location at fertility clinics, and cultural competency training for fertility care providers in both zones. Keywords: infertility, psychosocial impact, fertility clinic, South East Nigeria, depression