Coping Strategies and Health-Seeking Behavior of Women With Infertility at Zamfara

Abstract

In Africa, the inability to bear children is a stressful situation that affects the self-worth of women socially and psychologically. As a result, women with infertility in Africa use different strategies to cope, which may influence their health-seeking behaviors. The purpose of this study was to explore the coping strategies and health-seeking behaviors of women with infertility in the Zamfara State of Nigeria. A qualitative approach using an exploratory descriptive design was used to obtain information relevant for the study. Twelve women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected using a purposive sampling technique. A semistructured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth individual interviews after the women consented to participate. Content analysis of the data was conducted. The findings suggest that the major coping strategies adopted by these women were religion, social support, child adoption, and distraction activities. In terms of health-seeking behavior, the women sought help for their infertility from both traditional medicine and orthodox treatment. However, they frequently withdrew from treatment or changed the health facility due to perceived reduction in benefits.