Impact of Infertility on the Quality of Life of Women in Douala (Cameroon): Assessment Using the FertiQoL Score

Background: Infertility carries a major psychosocial burden in sub-Saharan Africa, yet women’s quality of life (QoL) is rarely assessed with standardized tools. The Fertility Quality of Life questionnaire (FertiQoL) is internationally validated but had not been used in Cameroon prior to this study. Objective: To assess the impact of infertility on women’s QoL in Douala using FertiQoL and to identify associated determinants. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study over nine months in four health facilities in Douala. One hundred and seventy-three infertile women aged 25 - 55 years were included. QoL was measured with FertiQoL (emotional, social, relational, and mind–body domains). Associations with impaired QoL were examined using multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: Mean age was 37.2 ± 6.1 years; secondary infertility accounted for 76.9%. Over half reported self-medication (63.6%) or phytotherapy (68.2%). Overall, 55.1% had impaired QoL. The most affected domains were emotional (72.3 %), social (71.7%), and mind–body (68.8%), whereas the relational domain was comparatively preserved. Independent determinants of impaired QoL were single marital status (OR = 1.57; p = 0.001), monthly income < 100,000 FCFA (OR = 1.50; p = 0.019), history of STIs (OR = 3.60; p = 0.001), nulliparity (OR = 1.32; p = 0.001), and infertility duration >20 years (OR = 1.48; p = 0.038). Conclusion: This study the first Cameroonian application of FertiQoL shows a substantial negative impact of infertility on women’s QoL in Douala, particularly in the emotional and social domains. Findings support a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that includes psychological support and improved access to reproductive care.