Keywords
perception
married couples
infertility
sexual health
How to Cite
Abstract
Infertility remains an underestimated public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, profoundly affecting marital relationships and the emotional stability of couples. At Clinique Ngaliema, the perceptions of married couples regarding infertility highlight cultural, social, and psychological tensions that influence how this condition is experienced and managed within the couple. This study sheds light on the social representations of infertility, often perceived as a fatality, a divine punishment, or a personal failure, particularly toward women. Understanding these perceptions is essential for better adapting clinical and psychosocial approaches to the management of infertile couples in the Congolese context. To achieve this objective, we adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach aimed at exploring the lived experiences of couples facing infertility. An accidental sampling method was used, and the sample size was determined according to the principle of data saturation, resulting in the selection of 14 participants from the Clinique Ngaliema. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews in order to explore participants’ perceptions of infertility. The findings reveal an overall negative perception of infertility, strongly influenced by cultural, religious, and medical factors. They also highlight a psychological and social burden borne mainly by women, despite a growing recognition of male involvement in fertility difficulties. Participants expressed a significant need for information, emotional support, and integrated care, while calling for greater involvement of midwives and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, a certain ambivalence persists between reliance on modern medicine and religious beliefs, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive and context-adapted care. Beyond its medical implications, infertility therefore constitutes a major social issue for married couples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The perceptions gathered in this study demonstrate the persistent influence of sociocultural norms, in which women remain the primary victims of stigmatization. These findings highlight the need to develop comprehensive care integrating psychosocial support, health education, and community awareness in order to challenge infertility-related prejudices and improve the quality of life of affected couples.
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