Publications

Abstract : With the rising prevalence of infertility among women and men in kerala, the problem needs recognition as a public health issue. Even though the causes of infertility are numerous, recent studies have shown that obesity is largely linked to infertility. A study was conducted to assess correlation on anthropometric indices and infertility among women attending selected infertility clinic at Kottayam Aims: 1) Estimate the anthropometric indices such as Body Mass Index[BMI], Waist to Hip Ratio[WHR] and Waist Circumference[WC] and infertility in women. 2) Identify the relationship between obesity and infertility in women. 3)Find out the association between anthropometric indices and infertility with selected demographic variables. Methods: research approach used was quantitative; design was descriptive. The sample consisted of conveniently selected 150 women (fertile women-50, infertile women -100). The tool administered were 1) A semi structured questionnaire which includes subject’s socio-demographic data 2) Anthropometric measurements were taken according to standardized methods and techniques using standardized equipments like scale, weighing machine, measuring tape and standiometer. Results: The average value of BMI of infertility group is 26.94 and the fertile group is 23.55 and the p value is <0.001.So there is a significant relationship between obesity and infertility. The average value of anthropometric indices between family history of infertility (group 1,0.937±0.057, group 2,0.873±0.047) and type of marriage (group 1, 0.936±0.057, group 2, 0.873±0.047) shows that WHR have significant difference between groups (p=0.005). Conclusion: Women with excess body weight are more likely to have fertility problems and therefore weight reducing therapies such as exercises and dietary interventions must be incorporated into the treatment of infertility.