The Role of Lifestyle in the Development of Fertility Issues
Author(s)
Patricia Szántóri, BSc, MSc1, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD2, Bettina Kovács, BSc, MSc3, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD4, Luca Fanni Kajos, BSc, MSc, PhD4, Dalma Pónusz-Kovács, BSc, MSc3, Tímea Csákvári, BSc, MSc, PhD4, Réka Vajda, BSc, MSc, PhD4.
1Institution of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 4Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institution of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 4Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Infertility affects approximately 19% of the global population. The aim of our study is to explore how lifestyle factors—particularly diet, physical activity, emotional state, and the use of dietary supplements—influence the development of infertility and spontaneous miscarriage.
METHODS: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study using an anonymous online questionnaire, involving 153 individuals experiencing fertility issues. Data were collected using validated (IPAQ-SF, FFQ) and custom-designed questionnaires for 6 months. The data were evaluated using descriptive (absolute and relative frequency) and mathematical (chi-square test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test) statistical methods. Results were considered significant when p<0.05.
RESULTS: The sample consisted of 96.1% women. The average body mass index (BMI) of the respondents was 26.38 kg/m² (±6.21). Regarding physical activity, 68.6% were completely inactive (<600 MET/min/week), and only 4.8% engaged in health-enhancing physical activity. Concerning harmful habits, 66.7% did not smoke; alcohol consumption was rare for most (49.7%), and 24.2% never. Our statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the groups compared: 71.2% of those who had previously experienced spontaneous miscarriage consumed ready-made and fast food less frequently than 53.6% of the group without miscarriage (p=0.017). For other dietary patterns (e.g., sweets, dairy products), as well as the consumption (p=0.380) and types (p=0.183) of dietary supplements, no significant differences were found. Regarding emotional state, nearly half of the respondents reported moderate to high levels of anxiety according to self-assessment scales.
CONCLUSIONS: Most individuals included in the study led an inactive lifestyle, and their average BMI fell into the overweight category. At the same time, the rate of harmful habits was low. However, based on our results, it was not clearly demonstrable that the examined lifestyle factors significantly increase the risk of fertility problems on their own.
METHODS: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study using an anonymous online questionnaire, involving 153 individuals experiencing fertility issues. Data were collected using validated (IPAQ-SF, FFQ) and custom-designed questionnaires for 6 months. The data were evaluated using descriptive (absolute and relative frequency) and mathematical (chi-square test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test) statistical methods. Results were considered significant when p<0.05.
RESULTS: The sample consisted of 96.1% women. The average body mass index (BMI) of the respondents was 26.38 kg/m² (±6.21). Regarding physical activity, 68.6% were completely inactive (<600 MET/min/week), and only 4.8% engaged in health-enhancing physical activity. Concerning harmful habits, 66.7% did not smoke; alcohol consumption was rare for most (49.7%), and 24.2% never. Our statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the groups compared: 71.2% of those who had previously experienced spontaneous miscarriage consumed ready-made and fast food less frequently than 53.6% of the group without miscarriage (p=0.017). For other dietary patterns (e.g., sweets, dairy products), as well as the consumption (p=0.380) and types (p=0.183) of dietary supplements, no significant differences were found. Regarding emotional state, nearly half of the respondents reported moderate to high levels of anxiety according to self-assessment scales.
CONCLUSIONS: Most individuals included in the study led an inactive lifestyle, and their average BMI fell into the overweight category. At the same time, the rate of harmful habits was low. However, based on our results, it was not clearly demonstrable that the examined lifestyle factors significantly increase the risk of fertility problems on their own.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH255
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Reproductive & Sexual Health