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.