Childbearing Perceptions Among Taiwanese Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Sociology of Health
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Infertility affects many women eager for children.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common treatment for infertility.
• Understanding patient perceptions is crucial for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the childbearing perceptions of women undergoing IVF treatment.
• To understand the lived experiences of infertile women in Taiwan.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative phenomenological approach.
• In-depth interviews with 20 infertile women undergoing IVF in Taiwan.
• Giorgi content analysis of transcribed interviews until data saturation.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: family life cycle tasks, marital cohesion, and health improvement.
• Participants' perceptions are influenced by traditional Chinese fertility culture.
• Women expressed multifaceted views on childbearing during IVF.

Conclusions:

• Cultural context is vital in understanding childbearing perceptions for women undergoing IVF.
• Healthcare providers, particularly nurses, should consider cultural factors when caring for infertile women.
• Integrating cultural sensitivity can enhance holistic care for infertile women.