The Need For Information Of Couples Trying To Conceive A Child A Qualitative Study In Primary Care

Background. In France, 15 % of the couples ask for medical support linked to infertility issues. Several studies have shown that they regard the information given as insufficient and that the general practitioner could play an important part in this process. Assuming that systematic information would improve the support provided to these patients, we have led a qualitative study to explore their needs for information at various stages of the process.Method. Three focus groups were carried out with couples in their first year of attempting to have a child, before specialized assistance, and one focus group was carried out with couples undergoing medically assisted procreation. After transcription, the interviews were coded by two different researchers using a content analysis method with the NVivo9((R)) software.Results. The informations needed changed over time. During the first year, couples looked for information regarding infertility risk factors, ways to optimize their fertility and the process awaiting them in case of difficulties. They expressed the need for more systematic information beforehand and, for the males, to be more associated to the process. Couples expected confidentiality from the general practitioner whose role is most important, since a relationship of trust has been established.Conclusion. Couples expressed a need for information at all stages of the process. Systematic information could be delivered by written information openly available, which would allow answering the couples' demands whilst respecting their intimacy.