Ethiopian women experiencing infertility: sociocultural challenges and coping strategies

AbstractThe main purpose of this study was to explore the social and cultural challenges and coping strategies of women experiencing infertility in Bichena Town, Ethiopia. This study followed a qualitative research approach and a descriptive phenomenological design. This study applied a purposive sampling technique and selected 30 samples. Through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that women experiencing infertility were challenged by social challenges; the major social components were isolation, stigma, family and social pressure, marital instability, and low social status. Women experiencing infertility were also challenged by cultural factors. Missing cultural rituals, trouble in asking newborn mothers, not considering full women or motherhood, and missing the value of children were the major cultural challenges of women experiencing infertility. Women experiencing infertility also used a variety of coping strategies, such as religious, traditional, medical, and informal fosterage. The study concluded that women experiencing infertility in the study area were challenged by social and cultural factors that made their lives bitter and used different coping strategies to manage their ongoing problems. This study has theoretical implications for current literature knowledge and practical implications.