The impact of IVF patients' characteristics on their satisfaction and quality-of-life with overseas treatment: A mixed methods approach.

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in infertility therapy, such as hormone medication and in vitro fertilization (IVF), have led to an increase in the demand for IVF. North Cyprus is a new medical tourist destination, and this study aimed to discover influential demographic predictors of IVF patients' satisfaction and quality-of-life (QoL) after receiving reproductive IVF services. Two questionnaires on IVF patient satisfaction and QoL were administered to 101 patients who received services in selected IVF clinics. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that the mean satisfaction level with IVF service introduction and doctor professionalism increased with age, and a maximum satisfaction level was found in older patients. Doctor professionalism was another significant factor for greater satisfaction in older patients than in young patients who underwent IVF treatment. Satisfaction with IVF services was reduced by increasing education levels. IVF services must be managed and provided based on the needs of patients from different demographic backgrounds and efforts must be made to improve satisfaction with fertility services.