Risk profile of Qatari women treated for infertility, 2018

Abstract Background: female infertility is a multifactorial condition constituting a worldwide public health problem. Although many potential risk factors of female infertility can be preventable, there is no much attention directed toward preconception care. Aim: to explore the risk profile of infertility among Qatari women and compare risk factors distribution among primary vs. secondary infertility. Methodology: A hospital-based case control study was conducted from September 17th, 2017- February 10th, 2018. Cases (n=136) were enrolled from infertility clinics and controls (pregnant women, n=272), were enrolled from antenatal clinic, Women Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation. Interview questionnaire was utilized to collect data about sociodemographic, history of marriage, lifestyle, menstrual, obstetric, gynaecological, medical, medication, surgical, birth-control, sexual and family, depression screening using PHQ-2 score, and anthropometric measurements. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors to infertility. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: 43 primary and 93 secondary infertility cases were included. Risk factors were age>35 years (OR=3.7), second-hand smoking (OR=2.44), steady weight gain (OR=4.65), recent weight gain (OR=4.87), menstrual cycle irregularities (OR=4.20), fallopian tube blockage (OR=5.45), and symptoms suggestive of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chronic lower abdominal/pelvic pain (OR=3.46), abnormal vaginal discharge (OR=3.32) and dyspareunia (OR=7.04). Predictive factors for secondary infertility were; longer time from previous conception (OR=5.8), history of stillbirth (OR=2.63) or miscarriage (OR=2.11) and postpartum infection (OR=3.75). Protective factors were higher education level (OR=0.44), higher income (OR=0.17), and awareness of fertility window (OR=0.33) Conclusion: awareness, prevention, and early management of modifiable risk factors is important for women at pre/post-conception periods.