The effect of problem‑solving skill training on mental health and the success of treatment of infertile women under intrauterine insemination treatment

Using fertility treatment will cause high levels of anxiety and depression. The study was carried out with the objective of determining the effect of problem‑solving skills (PSS) training on mental health and the success of treatment of infertile women under intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment.

this randomized clinical trial was carried out on 72 women referring to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad. Individuals were randomly assigned into control and intervention groups. PSS were taught in three sessions in the intervention group, and the control group received usual care. The success rate of therapy and the mean of anxiety and depression on the day of IUI operation were compared using the Beck Depression Inventory and Spielberger Anxiety Inventory in both groups. t‑test, Mann–Whitney, paired t‑test, Wilcoxon, and Chi‑square tests were used to analyze the data.

on the day of IUI operation, the mean score of state anxiety in the control group (5 0 . 11 ± 8.51) and PSS (68.12 ± 11.49) was significant (P < 0.001), trait anxiety in the control group (46.41 ± 8.70) and PSS (44.00 ± 9.92) was significant (P < 0.001), and depression in the control group (17.44 ± 11.70) and PSS (12.99 ± 8.99) was significant (P < 0.001); however, the success of treatment in both groups (14.7% and PSS (26.5%) was not significantly different (P = 0.230).

Considering the effect of problem‑solving on reducing anxiety and depression, it is suggested that infertility center of this intervention should be used.