Date Presented 03/22/24
This qualitative study explored the experience of women worldwide living involuntarily childless after infertility and the impact on their occupational performance. This poster presents the method, results, and implications for OT.
Primary Author and Speaker: Lindsey Trott
Additional Authors and Speakers: Raegan E. Furman
Contributing Authors: Sharon E. Leonard
PURPOSE: Involuntary childlessness after infertility is a worldwide phenomenon impacting women’s well-being and quality of life (Chauhan et al., 2021). It profoundly impacts women’s participation in roles and daily activities (Collins, 2018). Since the population without children continues to grow, it is critical to evaluate their occupational needs (United States Census Bureau, 2021). This qualitative pilot study captured the cross-cultural lived experience of women involuntarily childless after infertility; explored the impact on occupational performance; and identified implications for occupational therapy (OT).
DESIGN: This international phenomenological study examined the lived experience of involuntary childlessness after infertility. Fifteen women from eight countries were recruited online via convenience sampling. Informed consent was obtained.
METHOD: Narrative data was collected through open-ended, semi-structured interviews. The virtual interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analyzed according to Braun & Clarke’s (2006) six phases of thematic analysis using Atlas.ti©. Components of trustworthiness ensured the rigor of this study.
RESULTS: Identified themes described the complex lived experience of the phenomenon including lack of support, cultural influences, and pervasive effects on daily life. The impact of the phenomenon was found to initially decrease or cease women’s occupational participation and performance. Eventually, the impact of the phenomenon reorganized occupational participation and performance. Unique occupational needs included creating inclusive workplace policies and planning for the aging process.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that there are numerous occupational considerations for women involuntarily childless after infertility. OT practitioners can address the occupational needs of this growing, underserved population by providing critical occupation-based therapeutic support throughout the lifespan.
References
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Chauhan, D., Jackson, E., & Harper, J. C. (2021). Childless by circumstance—Using an online survey to explore the experiences of childless women who had wanted children. Reproductive BioMedicine and Society Online, 12, 44–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbms.2020.09.006
Collins, M. E. (2018, April 19–22). Impact of infertility on daily occupations and roles [Poster presentation]. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference & Expo, Salt Lake City, Utah. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.72S1-PO6008
United States Census Bureau, (2021, August 31). First ever Census Bureau report highlights growing childless older adult population [Press release]. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/childless-older-adult-population.html
