OBJECTIVES:

The relationship between the adherence to 24-hour movement behaviour (24-HMB) and mental-health-related outcomes are well known in general adult population. The current study investigates, whether physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and sleep characteristics (SC) prior to the assisted reproductive treatments associated with infertility related quality of life in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.

METHODS:

This cross sectional, pilot study was conducted among 52 women undergoing ART treatment between January and April 2022 at a university linked regional fertility centre in Hungary. Data were collected on infertility related quality of life using FertiQoL, components of 24-HMB using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ), Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). 24-HMB index was measured based on the compliance with the 24-HMB components. One Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, Pearson correlation and Multivariate linear regression using the stepwise method was conducted.

RESULTS:

In relation to the PA component, self-rated health (SRH) showed negative correlation to GPAQ work related vigorous PA (R=-0.286, p=0.040) but positive correlation to moderate recreational activities (R=0.383, p=0.005). SB were in inverse correlation with the Mind-body subscale of FertiQoL (R=-0.333, p=0.016). Negative relationship between sleep disturbances and SRH (R=-0.284, p=0.043) and positive relationship between Emotional subscale and duration and efficiency (R=0.305, p=0.030; R=0.331, p=0.018) were found. Environmental subscale correlated with sleep quality and sleeping medication (R=0.305, p=0.035 in both components). Daytime dysfunction affected Relational, Tolerability and Total FertiQoL. Half of the patients met the 24-HMB guidelines components (PA 44,20%; SB 57.70%; SC 58.80%), 41.20% met at least two recommended values. FertiQoL Total was significantly predicted by 24-HMB index (B=7.081, p=0.002)

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment-As-Usual does not contain lifestyle and psychosocial counselling in Hungary. However, the current study proved that the more domains meet 24-HMB guidelines on PA-SB-SC, the better the infertility-related quality of life of women undergoing ART.