2.1 Study design and participants
This research was a cross-sectional study. The research was carried out at the Fertility Center of a Medical Faculty Hospital. The center has a multidisciplinary team consisting of doctors, embryologists, and nurses experienced in vitro fertilization and gynecology. The clinic has embryology laboratories equipped with the latest technology, and patients are provided with services at international quality standards and within the framework of medical ethics and morality. The reason why this hospital is preferred is that the number of couples applying for infertility treatment is high and that it provides service to couples of all ages and economic levels.
The sample size of the study was calculated as 214 with a 5% margin of error within 1-point deviation and 95% power,20 using the known scale average score with the G*Power 3.1.9.2 program.21 The random sampling method, a non-probability sampling method, was used in sample selection. The purpose of the research was explained to the participants, they were informed that the information obtained would not be used outside the research and that the confidentiality of their personal information would be protected, and their verbal and written consent was obtained. Questionnaires were handed out to 534 couples, and 498 participants completed the questionnaires. No differences concerning sociodemographic data were found between individuals who participated and those who did not. After excluding incomplete data, 428 participants were included in the analysis. We followed the STROBE Checklist throughout the study.
Criteria for inclusion in the study: (1) being over 18 years of age, (2) being diagnosed with infertility, (3) having started infertility treatment, (4) being able to read and understand Turkish, (4) agreeing to participate in the research.
Exclusion Criteria: (1) Having a diagnosed psychiatric disease, (2) failing to fill out the surveys.