Psychological distress as predictor of quality of life in men experiencing infertility: a cross-sectional survey

162 men were completed a socio-demographic form, SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Hierarchical regressions included demographic and clinic variables, and subsequently depression and anxiety were added.Model 1 was not accurate in predicting QOL. R2 values ranged from 0.029 (Social Functioning) to 0.149 (Mental Health). Eight domains were not associated with any of the predictors. In the second model, a R2increase was observed in all domains. R2 of QOL scores ranged from .209 (Role Physical) to .406 (Social Functioning). The intensity of the depression was a significant predictor for all outcomes. The load of depression was higher than the ones of the socio-demographic and clinical variables. Anxiety levels have also presented the same effect, but with less intensity.Subthreshold depression and anxiety were major predictors of QOL in men experiencing infertility. Health professionals need to include assessment of psychological symptomatology to plan more efficient interventions to infertile patients.Investigations on infertility are voluminous, and have shown that involuntary childlessness can be devastating, and it is associated with psychological distress[1]. The effects of infertility seem to be comprehensive, and are not restricted to sexual or reproductive areas of life[2], but its impact burden on several psychosocial areas of human existence [1,3-6]. Impairments have been reported regarding distinct aspects, such as psychopathology [7], relationship abilities [8], marital life [9,10], family life [11], and economic terms [8].There is an increasing interest in exploring infertility in a comprehensive way, taking into account the plethora of associated subjective perceptions. A systematic approach is needed to measure this phenomenon and allow comparability of studies. Quality of life (QOL) has emerged as a well-established concept to address these issues. Being considered a restatement of the World Health Organization's c