Evaluating group psychological interventions for mental health in women with infertility undertaking fertility treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature concerning the effectiveness of group psychological interventions in improving anxiety, depression, marital dissatisfaction, fertility quality of life and stress, and pregnancy outcomes of women with infertility, participating in fertility treatment. A search of five databases yielded 1603 studies; 30 articles met inclusion criteria, and computations of effect sizes ensued (Hedges’ g and Odds Ratios (OR)). The total sample comprised 2752 participants, with 1279 participants receiving group intervention and 1473 participants in the comparison group. Group psychological interventions reduced depression (Hgw= −1.277; 95% CI = [−1.739- −0.815]; p = 0.000), anxiety (Hgw = −1.136, 95% CI [−1.527- −0.744]; p = 0.000), fertility stress (Hgw = −0.250, 95% CI [−0.388- −0.122]; p = 0.000), and marital dissatisfaction (Hgw = −0.938; 95% [CI −1.455- −0.421]; p = 0.000), and pregnancy rates improved (OR = 2.422 95% CI [2.037–2.879]; p = 0.000). No improvement was observed regarding fertility quality of life (Hgw = 0. 144; 95% CI [−0.176- 0.463]; p = 0.379). Our findings highlight that participation in group psychological intervention improved the mental health, fertility stress and pregnancy rates of women with infertility.