Health Care Seeking and Infertility: A Cross Sectional Comparative Study Amongst Females of Dyal Village Lahore

Abstract

Background: Female infertility ends up in long term health implications especially in Pakistan where combined
family ëystem and=social set-up pressurizes the newlywed couples for child bearing age. But proper diagnosis
and effective management is only possible through health care seeking.
Objective: To assess the actual magnitude of different types of infertility and its associated health care
seeking amongst females of Dyal Village Lahore.
Methods: This cross sectional comparative study was conducted in rural female population of Dyal Village
Lahore. The sample size was118 and data collection was done through Simple Random Sampling. Data was
gathered using Personal Self-Concept Questionnaire containing information related to socio demographic,
economic, female medical, family , gynecological and Health Care seeking history.
Results: Out of 118 only 42 (35.59%) had Primary infertility. only 24.58% had Menorrhagia, 40.68% had
Oligomenorrhea and 22.88% experienced Dysmenorrhea. Only 7% reported male factor. Majority females
had ovulatory problems (38.3 %) and 11.8 % with=tubal blockage 9.7 % reported uterine problems. Only
68(57.63%) visited hospitals, 67 (56.78%) sought medical treatment and 48(40.68 %) had both medical and
surgical interventions. Surprisingly 29(24.58%) Üad received Instrumentation and medication by Dai and 10
(8.47) had medic~tion following relatives advice. Study has also shown a significant relation with higher
educational and economical status.
Conclusion: The higher Primary infertility levels and trends of seeking health care services other than
professional experts especially from Dai is alarming. Future research study can be focused for determining
the predictors of such health care services for infertility.