Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2026, 17(3):2498-2506 | DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0017

Nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on psychological problems among women with infertility, family responses, and the need for nursing and midwifery interventions

Suzanna1, Sri Yulia1, Aris Citra Wisuda2, Dedi Haryanto3, Arena Lestari4
1 Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan Palembang, Palembang 30254, Indonesia
2 Nursing Profession Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bina Husada, Palembang 30131, Indonesia
3 Techology Information Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang, Palembang 30263, Indonesia
4 Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu, Lampung 35373, Indonesia

Aim: This study aimed to explore nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on the psychological problems experienced by women with infertility, family responses, and the need for nursing and midwifery interventions.

Design: A qualitative study employing an empirical phenomenological approach.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 infertility counselors, including nurses and midwives, selected through purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data saturation was achieved, and interview transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method as adapted by Haase.

Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) psychological problems and emotional conditions among women with infertility, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and social isolation; (2) diverse family responses, ranging from emotional support to neglect and lack of understanding; and (3) the urgent need for nursing and midwifery interventions, particularly structured psycho-counseling. Participants emphasized the crucial role of nurses and midwives in early identification of psychological distress and in providing continuous emotional support.

Conclusion: Infertility presents a significant psychological and social burden for women. Nurses and midwives have a pivotal role in delivering holistic counseling and supportive care. Integrating technology-based psycho-counseling into nursing and midwifery practice may improve accessibility, individualization, and effectiveness of interventions, ultimately enhancing mental health outcomes for women with infertility.

Keywords: family response, female infertility, nursing and midwifery care, psycho-counseling, psychological distress

Received: August 29, 2025; Revised: May 22, 2026; Accepted: July 27, 2026; Published: September 6, 2026  Show citation

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Suzanna, Yulia S, Wisuda AC, Haryanto D, Lestari A. Nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on psychological problems among women with infertility, family responses, and the need for nursing and midwifery interventions. Central European Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2026;17(3):2498-2506. doi: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0017.
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