The Decision-making Pathway and Enablers to the Utilization of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Lagos Metropolis: an interpretive phenomenological study

Abstract Background Women experiencing infertility face barriers to access Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services in Nigeria. Despite these barriers, some still access these services. This study explored the decision-making pathway and enablers of the use of ARTs among such persons in Lagos. Methods Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, we explored the decision-making process and enablers motivating the use of ART services among women who have experienced infertility. An open-ended structured in-depth interview guide was used to collect data that were analyzed thematically. Results Findings revealed that the decision-making pathway involved personal, interpersonal or relational thought processes to use Assisted Reproductive Technology for assisted conception and enablers which were a mix of emotional support from the mother, spouses, social pressures, information about health condition, professional and lay suggestions all contributed to the eventual use of ARTs. Conclusion Results of this study indicate that infertile women received different forms of support that enabled the use of ARTs. However, women who used ART services experienced several psychosocial challenges. These ARTs have given infertile and childless couples some ray of hope and the chance to escape the burden and social stigma of childlessness. This study recommends that public health professionals collaborate with ART service providers in providing psychosocial care in addition to basic clinical care. Future studies can explore the perspectives of significant others as they played a key role in the decision and motivated ART use.