“His biological mother told him; you do not have children”. The lived experience and coping strategies of married women living with infertility in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Women seeking infertility treatment are facing various psychological and social challenges worldwide. The projected time for pregnancy following marriage, gender and existential factors all have role in how cultures describe infertility. In majority of Tanzanian ethnic groups, bearing children is considered to be one of a female’s duty and task, prescribed by gender norms in ethnicity and customs. Women who are unable to achieve this expectation owing to infertility issues encounter a range of psychological implications. The present study aimed to assess social cultural issues that face infertile women seeking treatment at the Gynecology Outpatient Department at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Objective: To assess the experience, social-cultural issues, and coping strategies among infertile married women seeking treatment at Gynecology Outpatient Department at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

Methodology: This was a qualitative study design using phenomenological approach with women aged 15 to 49. A total of 12 childless married women were purposively chosen for in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: In this study four themes were identified namely effects of infertility on relationship with their husbands, family and in-laws. The emotional problems related to infertility treatment and childlessness that explained how childless married women regretted some of their own actions, were stressed and frustrated. Another theme was Socio-cultural and economic issues faced when seeking treatment which revealed the social pressure by society members, stigma; financial constraints, polygamy practices of husbands, and cultural belief in traditional medicines. Lastly was the coping mechanism towards addressing these challenges which were religious practices, escapism, sharing the burden, and family support in addressing social cultural issues that faced infertile married women when seeking treatment.

Conclusion: Married women shared challenges that were conveyed by their communities, culture and traditions of a particular person and healthcare systems. Therefore, community involvement is important in changing people’s attitudes towards infertility through education to raise awareness.