Refereed journal article or data article (A1)
Does being conceived by assisted reproductive technology influence adult quality of life?
List of Authors: Hammarberg Karin, Halliday Jane, Kennedy Joanne, Burgner David P., Amor David J., Doyle Lex W., Juonala Markus, Ranganathan Sarath, Welsh Liam, Cheung Michael, McLachlan Robert, McBain John, Lewis Sharon
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Publication year: 2022
Journal: Human Fertility
Journal name in source: HUMAN FERTILITY
Journal acronym: HUM FERTIL
Number of pages: 7
ISSN: 1464-7273
eISSN: 1742-8149
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2022.2042860
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2022.2042860
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/175044682
Numerous studies have investigated the physical health and development of children and adolescents conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Less is known about the quality of life of ART-conceived adults. This study explores the contributions of being conceived with ART and psychosocial cofactors present in young adulthood to the quality of life of adults aged 22-35 years. Young adults conceived through ART or natural conception (NC) completed questionnaires which included a standardized measure of quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief assessment (WHOQoL-BREF)) when aged 18-28 years (T1) and again when aged 22-35 years (T2). The WHOQoL-BREF has four domains: (i) Physical, (ii) Psychological, (iii) Social relationships and (iv) Environment. A total of 193 ART-conceived and 86 NC individuals completed both questionnaires. When accounting for other cofactors in multivariable analyses, being ART-conceived was strongly associated with higher scores (better quality of life) on the Social relationships, and Environment WHOQoL-BREF domains at T2. In addition, less psychological distress, a better relationship with parents, a better financial situation, and perceptions of being about the right weight at T1 were associated with higher scores on one or more of the WHOQoL-BREF domains at T2. In conclusion, being ART-conceived can confer advantages in quality of life in adulthood, independent of psychosocial cofactors.
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