Psychosocial risks associated with multiple births resulting from assisted reproduction: a Spanish sample.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the psychosocial risks associated with multiple births (twins or triplets) resulting from assisted reproductive technology (ART).


METHODS
Transverse study.


METHODS
Infertility units of a university hospital and a private hospital.


METHODS
Mothers and fathers of children between 6 months and 4 years conceived by ART (n = 123). The sample was divided into three groups: parents of singletons (n = 77), twins (n = 37), and triplets (n = 9).


METHODS
The questionnaire was self-administered by patients. It was either completed at the hospital or mailed to participants' homes.


METHODS
Scales measured material needs, quality of life, social stigma, depression, stress, and marital satisfaction.


RESULTS
Logistic regression models were applied. Significant odds ratios were obtained for the number of children, material needs, social stigma, quality of life, and marital satisfaction. The results were more significant for data provided by mothers than by fathers.


CONCLUSIONS
The informed consent form handed out at the beginning of ART should include information on the high risk of conceiving twins and triplets and on the possible psychosocial consequences of multiple births. As soon as a multiple pregnancy is confirmed, it would be useful to provide information on support groups and institutions. Psychological advice should also be given to the parents.
Roca de Bes
Montserrat
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive División, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Pg Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive División, Hospital Quiron, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: mroca.bcn@quiron.es.
Gutierrez Maldonado
José
J
Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, University of Barcelona, Paseo Valle de Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain.
Gris Martínez
José M
JM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive División, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Pg Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics and Obstetric and Gynecology, Universitat Autònoma, Barcelona, Spain.
D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D009099:Multiple Birth Offspring / Q000523:psychology*; D011584:Psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014310:Triplets / Q000523:psychology*; D014427:Twins / Q000523:psychology*