Depression, anxiety, and stress among male partners of infertile couples: a hospital-based cross-sectional study
Keywords:
Male partners of infertile couples, Infertility, Depression, Anxiety, Psychological stressAbstract
Infertility affects one in six individuals globally, with male partners facing stigma, emotional distress, and threats to masculinity particularly in cultures like Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity, and correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress among male partners of infertile couples. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility of a tertiary hospital. A total of 160 male partners of infertile couples were recruited using consecutive sampling. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the validated Bangla version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 28.0. The mean age of participants was 33.5 ± 7.0 years. Clinically significant depression, anxiety, and stress were present in 33.1%, 28.7%, and 27.5% of participants, respectively. No significant differences in depression, anxiety, or stress were observed between men from couples with primary and secondary infertility. In multivariable analysis, men with primary education had significantly lower odds of anxiety compared with those having graduate-level education (aOR = 0.12, p = 0.002). Unknown attribution of infertility showed a borderline association with higher odds of stress (aOR = 3.10, p = 0.052). Most sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics were not significantly associated with psychological distress. Depression, anxiety, and stress are common among male partners of infertile couples. The limited associations with sociodemographic and reproductive factors suggest that psychological distress related to infertility is multifactorial. Routine psychological screening and counselling should be integrated into infertility care services.
Bang J Psychiatry 2026;40(1): 10-14
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