Publication Date
2025
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Department
Occupational Therapy, School of
Student Level
Graduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Karlee Carney
SPARK Session
10:15-11:45
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Background: Infertility is experienced by 17.5 % of the world’s adult population, and research indicates that it will only worsen. Objective: This literature review aims to highlight a few of the barriers that interfere with an individual’s ability to receive care. Methods: A search was conducted across PubMed and Embase since August 2024. Search terms such as socioeconomic status, infertility, fertility education, fertility treatment, affordability, IVF, poverty, IUI, and sterility were used. Data was extracted via an Excel Spreadsheet, highlighting the type of study, fertility treatment assessed, social determinants of health assessed, and study limitations. Results: Our research yielded 15 articles highlighting 4 major disparities impacting women’s access to fertility treatments: geographical locations, financial limitations, racial differences, and health literacy levels. These 4 limitations were then used to separate information within an Excel spreadsheet as screening tools for the 15 articles. After the screening process, race (38%) was discovered to be the most discussed across our sources, with financial strain (24%) being the next most common. Discussion: Poor insurance coverage and high costs prevent some patients from pursuing treatment, whereas some do not know about available options. Patients in rural areas are unable to receive care in the required amount of time, as traveling farther distances may be unfeasible with their work and life schedules. Additionally, previous treatment of certain races has affected their perception of the medical field, leading to a vast mistrust in receiving care. Conclusion: The results of this literature review indicate a need for further research on balancing receiving optimal care and making it accessible to everyone. Furthermore, it suggests that pharmacists may be able to take on a greater role in patient advocacy and promote policies and reform that support this patient population.
Recommended Citation
Carney, Karlee; Craven, Danielle N.; and O'Connor, Aine, "Barriers of Access of Infertility Treatment: A Literature Review" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 173.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/173
