Abstract
Background and aim: Reproductive difficulties are likely to induce psychological disorders in the affected individuals. The aim of this study was to identify the nature of the specific vulnerability factors (biological, psychological and sociocultural) that induce psychological distress (such as anxiety and mood disorders and other psychopathological decompensation of a psychotic and paranoid nature) amongst infertile couples.
Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study in which 25 couples were recruited in 9 healthcare facilities in Douala through incidental sampling, who completed the psychometric battery of tests. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.
Results: The average age of the women was 29.96 ± 5.20 years and of the men was 36.20 ± 5.82 years. The majority of the couples were married (72%) and 52% suffered from primary infertility. The average duration of infertility was 4.02 ± 2.63 years and 16% were undergoing assisted reproduction. In 40% of the couples, both partners suffered from anxiety disorders; 40% had mood disorders; and 72% had psychotic and paranoid symptoms. One of the partners was affected in 40% of anxiety
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Act No. 2022/014 of 14 July 2022 on assisted reproductive technology in Cameroon.

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Copyright (c) 2023 Aurore E. Longuè, Erero Njiengwé, Christian Eyoum, Charlotte Tchente-Nguefack, Boris S. Nguéhan, Charlotte Brület

