Risk profile of Qatari women treated for infertility in a tertiary hospital: a case-control study

Background: Female infertility is a multifactorial condition constituting a worldwide public health problem. The ability to reproduce is an important product of any marriage, hence infertility may exert a negative impact on physical, financial, social and emotional wellbeing of affected couples. The cornerstone to the management of any disease, including infertility, is prevention. Identifying the modifiable risk factors of female infertility will aid at prevention, early detection, and treatment of medical conditions that can threaten fertility as well as promoting healthy behaviours that can preserve it.

Aim: To explore the risk profile of infertility among Qatari women and compare risk factors distribution among primary vs. secondary infertility.

Methodology: A hospital-based case control study was conducted from September 17th, 2017- February 10th, 2018. Cases (n = 136) were enrolled from infertility clinic and controls (pregnant women, n = 272), were enrolled from antenatal clinic, Women Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Interview questionnaire was utilized to collect data about sociodemographic, risk factors related to infertility and patient health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors to infertility. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results: Forty three primary and ninety three secondary infertility cases were included. Risk factors were age > 35 years (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.41-9.83), second-hand smoking (OR = 2.44, 95% CI:1.26-4.73), steady weight gain (OR = 4.65,, 95% CI: 2.43-8.91), recent weight gain (OR = 4.87, 95% CI: 2.54-9.32), menstrual cycle irregularities (OR = 4.20, 95% CI:1.14-15.49), fallopian tube blockage (OR = 5.45, 95% CI: 1.75-16.95), and symptoms suggestive of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chronic lower abdominal/pelvic pain (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.57-7.63), abnormal vaginal discharge (OR = 3.32, 95% CI:1.22-9.03) and dyspareunia (OR = 7.04, 95% CI: 2.76-17.95). Predictive factors for secondary infertility were; longer time from previous conception (OR = 5.8, 95% CI: 3.28-10.21), history of stillbirth (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.04-6.67) or miscarriage (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.21-3.68) and postpartum infection (OR = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.27-11.06). Protective factors were higher education level (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25-0.78), higher income (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.49), and awareness/loyalty to fertility window (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.21-0.52 and OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.19-0.44, consequently).

Conclusion: This study highlighted the opportunities to strengthen public health as well as hospital-based health promotion programs importantly toward behavioural-related risk factors (e.g. smoking, obesity, STIs etc.). Moreover, detecting, preventing, and managing modifiable risk factors through awareness, screening and early management of chronic diseases, may contribute at reduction of incidence and severity of infertility. Such interventions can be delivered at premarital, family planning, post-natal and antenatal clinics at primary health care with early referral to secondary care if required.

Keywords: Infertility; Modifiable; Prevention; Risk factors; Sexual transmitted disease.